Rating: 9,5|Votes: 16
Much has happened since 1990 when an American recently converted to Orthodoxy made a pilgrimage to the famous home of the Optina Elders—all of the original churches have been rebuilt, new ones added, and the brotherhood is flourishing. Nevertheless, we can wistfully remember those blessed days when Russian Orthodox Christians were sacrificing their time and talent to rebuilt Optina. Here are the impressions of that pilgrim, published in the Orthodox Word.
Archpriest Andrew Phillips
Rating: 9,8|Votes: 4
The above principles may seem obvious common sense to many, but they are often overlooked, precisely because they are so obvious.
Rating: 10|Votes: 3
The holy icon through which the elder had heard the voice of the Mother of God warn him of the arrival of the enemies of Christianity had been placed inside the tower together with the martyrs-to-be. Afterwards, however, it was found wholly unscathed by the fire which burnt the monastery to the ground.
Rating: 10|Votes: 1
On this day, we commemorate the Synaxis of Saints of Volhynia—one of the most ancient domains of Christian Rus’, and now part of western Ukraine.
St. Ambrose of Optina
Rating: 6,7|Votes: 15
"Strive in all things to live according to the Divine commandments, and remember that the Lord is present and sees the disposition of your heart. While fulfilling an obedience, consider that it has been given by the Lord through a person, and that your salvation depends on your zeal in fulfilling it."