The main Orthodox feast—the “Feast of Feasts and Triumph of Triumphs,” the Resurrection of Christ—has arrived. At the Holy Dormition Convent Novo-Diveevo in New York, this greatest of holidays is celebrated with particular solemnity. However, there is a special tradition that follows Easter. On the Tuesday of the second week after Pascha, Orthodox Christians celebrate...
A couple of years ago, rumors began circulating within the Russian Orthodox community in America regarding potential changes in the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). Speculation grew concerning the imminent appointment of a vicar bishop for the East Coast, and candidates were discussed to fill the Chicago See, which had...
The Easter procession traditionally draws thousands of Orthodox faithful to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Worshippers travel from neighboring Maryland and Virginia to take part in the celebration. Russian Life photojournalist Sergei Moskalev captured some of the most vibrant moments of the Resurrection service in the nation’s capital.
Venerable Brother Archpastors, Venerable Fathers, Dear Brothers and Sisters scattered throughout the world, I greet you all with Christ’s love with the Paschal kiss: “CHRIST IS RISEN!” “I wish you all that is bright in these days,” writes St Theophan the Recluse, “and in all the days to come. The Lord is always sweetness, and joy,...
In 2019, the documentary film “Where Are You, Adam?” was released in Ukraine, offering a rare look into the Greek monastery of Dochiariou on Mount Athos. The film was shot by cinematographer and director Alexander Zaporoshchenko and produced by Protodeacon Alexander Pliska. That same year, it won the Grand Prix at the “Pokrov” Christian Film...
On January 15, the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov the Wonderworker, the Holy Dormition Convent “Novo-Diveevo” (Nanuet, NY) celebrated the patronal feast of its main cathedral. St. Seraphim is the heavenly patron of the monastery, which was founded in the mid-20th century as a spiritual continuation of the Diveevo tradition on American soil....
To the Clergy, Monastics and Laity of the Western American Diocese! As we enter into the joyous season of Nativity, we must put aside the distractions of this world and remember that Jesus Christ came into the world to reconcile Divinity with creation. When the Heavenly Angelic Hosts revealed themselves in glory to the shepherds...
Most Reverend Brother Archpastors, Venerable Fathers, Monastics, Brothers and Sisters! Peace be with you from the Abode of the Miracle-Working Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign!” I warmly greet you all with love on the great holidays of the Nativity of Christ, Theophany, and the New Year, sincerely wishing you inner...
Hundreds of pilgrims flocked to Fort Ross in October to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and honor the Orthodox legacy in America. Attending the service at the oldest Orthodox parish in the continental US makes you contemplate and imagine the struggles that Russian missionaries and settlers faced in establishing an Orthodox presence in the New World. ...
According to the resolution of the Synod of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), June 19-20 was chosen for the church canonization of the righteous mother Olga of Kwethluk (1916-79) – the first officially glorified Orthodox holy woman of the North American continent. A native of Kwethluk, a village in southwestern Alaska, Olga Michael (Tanqilria...