A Twentieth Century Western Orthodox Missionary

Monk Gorazd

When many Roman Catholic priests rose up against Bishop Gorazd, even the Catholic Bishop Stoian said: "Leave Pavlik alone, you are not worthy to tie his laces, it would be good if everyone were like Pavlik." The Catholics tried to persuade Bishop Gorazd to return to Catholicism, while remaining in bishop's orders and with the choice of rites.

Rating: 8,9|Votes: 7

Writings of Saint Nectarios of Aegina

Translation of the relics of St. Nectarios of Aegina, August 21/September 3

Archimandrite Nektarios (Serfes), St. Nectarios of Aegina

Christianity is a religion of revelation. The Divine reveals its glory only to those who have been perfected through virtue. Christianity teaches perfection through virtue and demands that its followers become holy and perfect. It disapproves of and opposes those who are under the influence of the imagination.

Rating: 10|Votes: 1

Orthodox Friuli

Archpriest Vladimir Melnichuk

In the mid 1980’s, one Italian young man, after a long search, found his path to God in Orthodoxy. He wanted to become a priest and went to Mt. Athos to Elder Paisios to ask what Orthodox country he should serve in. The answer he received was, “Stay in Italy. Soon, as if by a wave of the sea, the country will be covered by Orthodoxy. Divine services will take place in every city. You will be needed in your homeland.”

Rating: 9,5|Votes: 2

Instructions to Nuns. On Repentance

St. Ignatius Brianchianinov

Repentance, according to the teaching of the Holy Church, is the restoration of Baptism, the second grace, cleansing of the consience, the promise to God of a new life, making peace with God by means of good works that are the opposite of sinful falls. Of him who does not approach the saving Sacrament of [confession] do we hear the terrible words of God: Except ye repent, ye shall all ... perish (Lk. 13:3).

Rating: 8,7|Votes: 6

The Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

The Dormition, or "Falling Asleep."

At the first movement, a wide and luminous circle of cloud appeared suddenly over the most pure body of the Mother of God like a wreath, and a host of angels joined together with the host of Apostles. The singing of the heavenly powers could be heard glorifying the Mother of God, and this singing was repeated by earthly voices. This circle of heavenly chanters and luminosity moved along in the air, accompanying the procession to the very place of burial.