"LORD HAVE MERCY." How frequently these three words are repeated in our churches and in our personal prayers. They are repeated in litanies which consist of short petitions, each of which ends with the words "Lord have mercy." At evening services and during...

A very minor word, "Amen", is so often repeated during our services and in our private prayers. Usually, it marks the end of prayers or important texts of religious content and it is like a seal placed on everything of particular importance. And that is exactly what it...

"WISDOM, STAND ARIGHT" (PREMUDROST', PROSTI!). We have already reflected on the word "WISDOM" which, minor though it is, is profoundly significant. During liturgy, this word is often followed by the words "STAND ARIGHT". In their basic meaning, these words are a call to, and a...

PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

Today we solemnly celebrate the name of our Venerable and God-bearing Father Sergius, the Abbot of Radonezh and Wonder-worker. The Venerable Sergius is an extraordinary example for all of us, for the Church, and...