Everything the Church lives by, everything she does is infused with care for the salvation of mankind. Living upon the earth, Orthodox people must strive towards Heaven. Concerned by events in society, expressing care for the suffering and needy, considering ways of better establishing church life, all of this comprises the visible continuation of their prayerful boldness and participation in the salvific Mysteries which unite man with God. Our words and deeds must show us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14), so that everyone around us, beholding the lives of Orthodox Christians, would glorify the Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Archpriest Mikhail Pravdoliubov
Rating: 7,7|Votes: 6
On February 5, 2006, Russia's beloved elder, Archimandrite John (Krestiankin), reposed in the Lord. The Pravdoliubov family, full of priests and even new martyrs, lived in Ryazan Province, where Fr. John served for many years as a priest in various parishes. This family has produced even more priests, one of whom serves in the Resurrection Church in Moscow, and has written his recollections of a life-long relationship with the wise spiritual instructor.
Priest Ioan Valentin Istrati
Rating: 1|Votes: 1
So, what is there left for us to do? We are recorded, wiretapped, watched. There are more and more electronic eyes, behind which are concealed either good or bad intentions—we don't know which. Everything is known about us. For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men (1 Cor 4:9).
Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov)
Perhaps Vladyka so loved to travel also because in travels, amidst the unexpected, and even dangers, he felt a particular presence of God. There is a reason why we especially pray “for those who travel by sea, land or air” at every Church service. That is why there also many stories in this modest book that are bound up with traveling. How many amazing, and at times absolutely unique events have happened during travels!
For instance, we are walking around Moscow. A rainy, nasty day. We are in a hurry to get somewhere. Suddenly, a babushka with a cart stops Vladyka. “Ba-atiushka!..” she says in her trembling, elderly voice, not knowing, of course, that standing before her was no simple batiushka, but a entire bishop—from America, no less. “Batiushka, at least you help me—bless my room!
