The Church of Russia, aka the Russian Orthodox Church, or the Moscow Patriarchate, is one of the Local Orthodox Churches, ranking fifth after the Churches of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. It exercises jurisdiction over the...
The glossary contains approximately 3,500 words and phrases most frequently found in Orthodox literature and is intended for translators, students of religious and secular educational institutions, and anyone interested in Orthodox Christianity....
This essay explores Russia’s complex history, marked by recurring patterns of autocracy, repression, and resilience. From Ivan the Terrible’s reign to the Soviet era and contemporary challenges, it examines how state violence, ideological myths,...
The Orthodox Church, founded by Jesus Christ and the apostles, remains the original, unchanged New Testament Church. It grew from five ancient patriarchates, surviving persecution and preserving apostolic tradition through Holy Fathers and...
Saint Athanasius, steadfast defender of the Nicene faith, faced relentless persecution from Arians and imperial authorities. Despite exile, false accusations, and church conflicts, he remained a spiritual leader and tireless writer. His courage,...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in January, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 1 serves as a...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in February, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 2 serves as a...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in March, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 3 serves as a...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in April, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 4 serves as a...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in May, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 5 serves as a...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in June, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 6 serves as a...
Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire, was a millennium-long cultural and military bridge between continents, preserving Rome’s legacy and defending Europe against invasions. Far from an impostor, it shaped religion, art, and politics, influencing...
Saint John Chrysostom, renowned preacher and Archbishop of Constantinople, endured persecution and exile for his fearless defense of Christian truth and reform. Despite harsh trials, including exile to remote regions and suffering from cold and...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in July, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 7 serves as a...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in August, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 8 serves as a...
Saint Patrick faced criticism mainly from British colleagues while spreading Christianity in Ireland. Despite attacks and feelings of exile, he persisted in his mission. His writings reveal a strong, humble character burdened by limited...
In November 1968, despite radio jamming, I recorded the full Beatles’ White Album broadcast on Voice of America in Moscow. This rare opportunity to hear Western music firsthand amidst censorship became a defining cultural moment. The recording...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in September, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 9 serves as a...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in October, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 10 serves as a...
Monasticism is a profound spiritual path that begins not with changing location but with a sincere, attentive commitment to live before God in one’s current circumstances. True monastic life arises from inner readiness, not escape. Only when...
This final volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in December, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 12 serves...
True spiritual life thrives in hiddenness, offered quietly to God alone without seeking human praise. Revealing one’s efforts feeds vanity and diminishes their value. Genuine faith trusts God’s unseen gaze, freeing the soul from needing approval...
This story outlines the history of Christianity in Greece, tracing its origins from Byzantine times through Ottoman rule, national independence, and modern challenges. It highlights the resilience of Orthodox faith amid foreign domination,...
This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in November, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 11 serves as a...