In October 2025, the House of the Russian Abroad (HRA) celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding. I, as the HRA representative in the United States, also took part in this event. To mark the difficult journey leading to this milestone, the House’s film studio Russian Path produced a film entitled In the Name of...
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...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 28, 2026, marked the 40th day since the passing of the world’s oldest Russian scout, Lidiya Petrovna Gerich, known by her forest name “Sinitsa” (The Titmouse). On that evening, at 7:30 PM, a panikhida (memorial service) was held at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Members of the...
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...
In 2025, the American business outlet Business Insider launched a series titled “80 Over 80.” The series features interviews with a growing demographic of Americans—those aged 80 and older from across the country—who are forced to keep working just to survive, despite decades of labor and earned retirement benefits. The data accompanying these stories suggests...
The most important communications link between the United States and Russia, free voice calls via messaging apps, has begun to fail. Following measures announced in Russia in August, voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram have become unreliable. Text messaging and file sharing generally continue to function, but voice calls often fail to connect or drop...
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. ...
In early November, the Teremok Children’s Theater embarked on its first-ever tour, traveling to Philadelphia for the “Theater – Island of Friendship” Festival. Our delegation owes a massive debt of gratitude to the organizers, Marta Zefarskiy and Lana Mokilev, for a celebration that provided immense inspiration, vivid emotions, and a vital platform for talented young...