Rating: 10|Votes: 4
When the Monastery closed, Blessed Maria Ivanovna discerned the entire fate of each sister. Each sister came to her and she told her what awaited her. Those who were sent to prison were the special, chosen ones, and she even told them the length of their terms. But to Mother Nikodima she gave twelve pieces of candy and said: "You are assigned to raise orphans." This was her blessing from Maria Ivanovna.
Archpriest Alexander Shargunov
Rating: 2|Votes: 1
The human soul is more precious than anything in the world. It must be saved at any price, even if this price seems too high in many people’s opinions. We belong to the Church of martyrs and confessors. The holy martyrs are witnesses: giving your life for Christ means gaining it and accomplishing it to the fullest.
St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
Rating: 8,5|Votes: 11
The thief in the Gospels who ascended this ladder ascended from out of terrible crimes into most radiant heavenly habitations. From his cross he pronounced words filled with humility of wisdom; in humility of wisdom he entered into the knowledge of God, and through the knowledge of God, he acquired heaven. We receive the due reward of our deeds, he said. Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom
Jivoin Rakocevic
Never in the history of the Serbian Orthodox Church have more holy shrines suffered damage and destruction, so quickly and so massively, as on the days of March 17–18, 2004. Ethnic elemental forces literally “purged” the churches—famous frescoes perished, a huge number of priceless icons ended up in the black market, libraries with irreplaceable books were destroyed, and church bells ended their days in the hands of metal brokers…
Abbot of the Moscow Sretensky MonasteryArchimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov)
Despite the enormous political and material hardships, the Serbian Church is caring for their people’s salvation. With its blessing, charitable organizations, medical centers, and free “people’s kitchens” are active in Kosovo. In these kitchens, people who have lost their jobs and food sources receive daily nourishment. No doubt it would be much safer to abandon these places and move to Central Serbia. But several thousand Serbian Christians remain in the homeland of their Orthodox ancestors, carrying on a daily ascetic struggle unknown and largely misunderstood by the world.
