← News feed Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)

Patronal feast day in Ust-Salda: the all-night vigil was led by Bishop Theognosttranslated

July 11, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 11, on the eve of the day of remembrance of the holy supreme apostles Peter and Paul, a solemn all-night vigil was held in the church in honor of these saints of God in the village of Ust-Salda.

The service was led by Bishop Feognost of Serov and Krasnoturinsky. His Eminence was co-served by the rector of the church, Hieromonk Arseny (Elkind), and the dean of the Verkhoturye deanery, Abbot Peter (Mazhetov).

The church was filled with worshipers: parishioners gathered to prayerfully prepare for the patronal feast, to honor the feat of the holy apostles and to ask for their intercession.

At the end of the all-night vigil, Bishop Theognostus addressed those gathered with the words of a sermon. The archpastor revealed the spiritual meaning of the feat of Saints Peter and Paul - two pillars of the Church, who set an example of firm faith, selfless service and love for Christ.

The Bishop also congratulated the clergy and parishioners on the upcoming patronal feast day, wishing everyone to strengthen their faith, maintain unity and show active love for their neighbors.

Source: Site: Серовская епархия · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (52) 🌐 Show original

Марина Андреева

Thank you for writing about the service. I especially remember how Bishop Theognost spoke about the firm faith of Peter and Paul - this is always relevant. Our rector, Father Arseny, did a great job for organizing everything so well, the church was really full.

Григорий Макаров

Thank you for telling us about the service. I remember how Bishop Theognostus spoke about the firm faith and love for Christ of Peter and Paul - this truth is always to the point. Father Arseny and Abbot Peter prepared everything well, the church was full, it was clear that people responded.

Anca Stan

Thanks for the article. I liked how Bishop Feognost spoke about the strong faith of Peter and Paul - just like that, that's what we need today. And Father Arsenie and Igumen Petru did a good job, it can be seen that the world came with the soul.

Ирина Голубева

Thank you, Gregory, for writing. I also especially remember how the bishop spoke about love for Christ - this is the most important thing. And Father Arseny, apparently, worked hard to ensure that the church was cleaned so well, even fresh flowers stood at the icon of the apostles. Do you often go to Ust-Salda for services?

Василий Тарасов

Thank you, Gregory, you definitely noticed about firm faith - Vladyka said it so simply and to the point that it’s still in my head. Father Arseny is really great, I remember him from last year when he first arrived. Are you going to the altar church yourself, or is it not possible due to work?

Галина Новикова

Thank you, Vasily, I’m glad that the bishop’s words also sunk into my soul. Father Arseny really quickly fit in; last year I saw him at a service in Verkhoturye - even then it was clear how hard he was trying. And I will go to the holiday itself, even if I have to take time off from work, I want to pray with everyone. How are you coming?

Галина Соколова

Thank you, Gregory, you definitely noticed about the bishop’s sermon. Here in Yaroslavl we also often remember how Peter and Paul showed that faith without love is an empty matter. Were you at the all-night vigil that evening or did you read it later?

Фёдор Белов

Thank you, Galina. Yes, the sermon was really memorable - especially the words about love as the basis of faith. I was at the all-night vigil that evening, stood in the middle of the church, there were a lot of people, but quietly and concentratedly. In Yaroslavl, in which church do such services usually take place?

Татьяна Лебедева

Thank you, Fedor. In Yaroslavl we usually go to the Church of Elijah the Prophet on Ilyinskaya Square, there are also always a lot of people there for altar services, but it’s quiet. Do you often go to Ust-Salda for services or only on such holidays?

Антон Лебедев

Thank you, Galina. In our Kazan sermons they also often say that love is the test of faith, without it everything else falls apart. In Yaroslavl, which church do you usually go to such services?

Ирина Андреева

Thank you, Galina, I also remembered the words about active love - exactly what we all lack in everyday life. Father Arseny really is already like one of his own; last year in Verkhoturye he was still a little timid, but now it’s clear that he has settled down. I’ll try to come to the holiday after work, but how about you asking for leave, will the bosses let you go?

Софья Смирнова

Thank you, Anton. Here in Yaroslavl, I most often go to the Church of Elijah the Prophet on Sovetskaya Square, there are spiritual services there, and the priest speaks well about love as the main core. In which church in Kazan do you have such memorable sermons?

Ксения Соловьёва

Thank you, Fedor. In Nizhny we usually gather for altar services at the Alexander Nevsky Church, it’s also quiet and full of people. What exactly did the Bishop say about love as the basis of faith? Can you remind me of a couple of phrases?

Полина Киселёва

Thank you, Ksenia. About love, the bishop said that it is not just a feeling, but precisely the power that transforms faith from words into deeds, like Paul’s after his conversion. Is it always so calm in your Alexander Nevsky Church? That evening in Ust-Salda I was even standing next to my neighbor from the next house; she rarely comes, but then she came.

Валентина Соколова

Thank you, Ksenia. It also happened to me in Voronezh that so many people gathered in the small church for the throne that they even stood in the vestibule. And about love, the bishop also added that, like Peter, it is tested precisely in difficult moments, when it is easier to renounce. In Nizhny, do you treat everyone to tea after the service or do they leave immediately?

Ольга Лебедева

Thank you, Anton. Here in Kazan, in the Church of St. Gurias on Yarmarochnaya, they often talk about this - that without love, faith is like a house without a foundation. Which church do you usually go to with your family on patronal feasts?

Пётр Киселёв

Thank you, Sophia. Here in Ust-Salda, after such a sermon by Bishop Theognost, we really want to live simpler and closer to people. And in Kazan, I would recommend the Church of St. Nicholas on Bauman Street - there the priest also often talks about love, but to the point, without unnecessary words. Have you been going to Ilyinsky in Yaroslavl for a long time?

Елена Соловьёва

In Nizhny, after the all-night vigil, everyone usually leaves immediately, only those closest to them stay to help set the table for the next day. But it’s interesting about testing love in difficult moments - I just recently had a moment when it was easier to remain silent than to intercede. Is it often so crowded in the throne rooms in Voronezh?

Тамара Иванова

Thank you, Peter. I’ve been going to Ilyinsky for a really long time, about fifteen years now, since I was widowed. But I haven’t been to Kazan, but it’s interesting that in the Bauman Church there is also an emphasis on simplicity and action - this is always better than empty talk. In Ust-Salda, after such a sermon, people probably treat each other differently on weekdays?

Наталья Соколова

Thank you, Anton. In St. Petersburg, at such sermons, they always emphasize that without love, faith quickly cools down, like tea in a mug. And in Yaroslavl, I usually go to the Church of Elijah the Prophet when I visit relatives there. In Kazan, which church do you most often go to with your family on patronal feasts?

Михаил Петров

Thank you, Sophia. After Bishop Theognost’s sermon, we also spoke simply about love for one’s neighbors, without beautiful words, and this was memorable. Do you often visit the Elias Church in Yaroslavl or only on holidays?

Александр Орлов

Thank you, Peter. Here in Ust-Salda, after the bishop’s sermon, you really try to talk less and help more - look, the next day you and your neighbor repaired the fence together. Have you been to the Bauman Church in Kazan? I wonder how it looks “in practice” in practice.

Тимофей Новиков

Thank you, Tatyana. I’m from New York myself, but when I come to Russia to visit my relatives, I try to get to the throne ceremony in Ust-Salda - it’s especially soulful there. And in Yaroslavl, I’ve only been to the Elias Church once, and it’s true, it’s full of people, but calm. Are you there all the time on Sundays or only on holidays?

Валентина Павлова

Thank you, Valentina, in Ust-Salda, after the all-night vigil, people often leave immediately - the people are mostly home from work, tired. But the bishop definitely said about testing love in difficult moments; just yesterday a woman in my store was rude, and I remained silent, although I could have interceded. In Voronezh, which church do you usually go to for altar services?

Ксения Лебедева

Thank you, Valentina, after the all-night vigil here, people usually leave quickly - people come home from work, their feet are buzzing. And about yesterday’s incident in the store, I understand that sometimes staying silent is the real test. And in Voronezh I visit the Church of St. Mitrofan, it is next to us.

Дмитрий Соловьёв

Thank you, Tamara. Yes, after Bishop Theognost’s sermon about love and unity, you really notice how people in Ust-Salda begin to help each other more often, even in simple matters - who will chop firewood, who will help with the garden. And in Ilyinsky, it’s probably like this for you after the service? I wonder how the abbot is coping there now.

Степан Павлов

In Novosibirsk, too, many people leave immediately after the all-night vigil, especially if the children are small. But you were right about intercession - I recently kept silent in a similar situation, although I had to say, I still regret it. Is it really so crowded for throne rooms in Voronezh?

Георгий Иванов

Thank you, Peter. After such a sermon, my hands are also drawn to work - that week after the all-night vigil in Ust-Sald, my son and I finally repaired the old bus shelter. And in Kazan I visited Bauman a couple of times while passing through, the priest there really says there is no water. Do you go there often yourself or more to local churches?

Елена Новикова

Thank you, Timofey. Here in Ust-Salda it really is simple and homely, especially when the Bishop comes. And in Yaroslavl I was only once at the throne, in Ilyinsky, and I was also surprised how many people there were, but at the same time it was quiet. Do you visit your family more often in the summer or at any time?

Екатерина Зайцева

Yes, Stepan, it’s really hard to stand with small children after the all-night vigil; my son also got tired quickly at one time. But you are right about the intercession of the apostles; sometimes you remain silent, and then you regret it. In Voronezh, they say, there’s also no place for an apple to fall, but here in Ust-Salda this time everyone fit in.

Любовь Комарова

Yes, Stepan, it’s really difficult with small children after a long service - my son also could barely endure it as a child. But you correctly noted about the intercession of the apostles; I myself sometimes regret that I remained silent at the right moment. Does your church in Novosibirsk often become so empty after the all-night vigil?

Дмитрий Морозов

In Novosibirsk, you say, many people also leave with their children after the all-night vigil? While fishing in Samara, I often remember how the apostles were not afraid to tell the truth to their faces, and then I regret that in a similar situation I myself remained silent at work. Have you been to Voronezh or is it just from stories?

Тимофей Семёнов

Thank you, Valentina. Here in Ust-Salda, too, it quickly becomes empty after the all-night vigil, especially in the summer, when it is light and everyone is in a hurry to do business. But about yesterday’s rudeness in the store - for sure, sometimes it’s harder to remain silent than to answer. Which church in Voronezh do you visit most often?

Валентина Соловьёва

Yes, Ekaterina, after the all-night vigil with children they really can’t hold their feet, my grandson at the age of three generally fell asleep standing against the wall. And I definitely noticed about the intercession of the apostles - sometimes it is better to remain silent than to regret it later. In Yaroslavl, too, our church is full for Peter and Paul, but we always fit in somehow comfortably.

Дмитрий Семёнов

Yes, Ekaterina, it’s really difficult with children after the all-night vigil - my eldest grandson, at four years old, also began to fidget and ask to be held. And she correctly noted about the intercession of the apostles; sometimes I myself will remain silent, and then I regret it. In Moscow, the throne rooms are also always crowded, but somehow at home.

Ксения Фёдорова

In Ust-Salda, after the all-night vigil, half of us leave with the children - the kids get tired. But it’s interesting about fishing in Samara: my husband, also on the river, often remembers how Peter and Pavel did not remain silent, and then scolds himself for biting his tongue during his shift at the hospital. Have you been to Voronezh yourself or heard from someone?

Алексей Петров

Thank you, Timofey. In Samara, after the all-night vigil, people also disperse quickly in the summer - fishermen are especially in a hurry to get to the river before the mosquitoes disperse. But I haven’t been to Voronezh, so I can’t tell you what kind of church there is. Do you often come to Ust-Salda for the throne ceremony?

Анастасия Кузнецова

Thank you, Alexey. In Yaroslavl, after the all-night vigil, half the people also run away - some to the dacha, some to fish on the Volga. And I’ve been coming to Ust-Salda for the third year in a row, I like the way they sing there. In Samara, which church do you most often visit?

Людмила Комарова

Thank you, Anastasia. In Yaroslavl, too, after the all-night vigil, half of us immediately run away, especially in the summer - either to the dacha, or just to go home and watch TV. And in Ust-Salda they sing really well, I also noticed last year when my husband and I went there. Which church do you most often visit in Yaroslavl?

Yes, Valentina, my granddaughter at the same age also fell asleep at the all-night vigil, leaning against her grandmother, and we then carried her in our arms. It’s good that the church in Ust-Salda is small, there was enough space for everyone without crowding. What is your church in Yaroslavl, old or new?

Любовь Андреева

Thank you, Elena. It’s true that it’s always like home, even when Bishop Theognost arrives - people stand calmly, no one pushes. I most often go to see my relatives in Ust-Salda in July, just in time for the throne, and do you often go to church in Yaroslavl?

Вера Васильева

Yes, Dmitry, it’s definitely not easy with kids after a long service - my son, as a child, also began to fidget already in the middle. And they correctly noted about the “homey” look on the thrones; it’s the same here in Novosibirsk: it’s cramped, but everyone is our own. In which church in Moscow do you usually celebrate Peter and Paul?

Георгий Лебедев

Yes, with kids it’s really hard to endure the entire service; my grandson at the same age also began to fidget after an hour. And here in Rostov on the throne it’s always like this - it’s crowded, but you feel like at home among your own people. And in Novosibirsk, in which church do you usually gather for Peter and Paul?

Thank you, Georgy, you definitely noticed about the kids - my grandson, at four years old, also begins to spin around like in a frying pan after an hour. Here in Samara, there’s always nowhere for an apple to fall on the throne room in Petropavlovsk, but that’s good, you feel unity. In Rostov, in which church do they usually serve for Peter and Paul?

Андрей Тарасов

I agree, Georgy, after an hour any baby begins to fidget, my grandson at four years old was fidgeting in the same way on the bench. Here in Kazan, in Petropavlovsky, the throne room is also always crowded, but in a homely way. In Rostov, in which church do you usually gather for Peter and Paul?

Вера Беляева

I agree, Andrey, at the age of four, my eldest grandson also fidgeted in the service, as if on a hot frying pan, especially after an hour. In Novosibirsk, in Petropavlovsk, we always have the same crowded conditions, but everyone is our own. In Rostov, which church do you usually go to on altar day?

Сергей Макаров

Yes, four-year-old children definitely cannot sit for long; my youngest nephew also spins around in the same way after half an hour. In Yaroslavl, in Petropavlovsk, there is always nowhere for an apple to fall on the altar, but this is even good, you feel that the church is alive. And in Novosibirsk, your Petropavlovsky is the one in the center, next to the square?

Ксения Тарасова

Thank you, Alexey, I also have a grandson at four years old who quickly gets tired in the service and starts to spin around. In Minsk, the St. Peter and Paul Church on Kropotkin Street is always crowded, but this is really pleasing. And in Samara, in your Peter and Paul Church, does the bishop often come to the throne?

Светлана Кузнецова

Yes, children at four years old will definitely not sit still; my younger brother, as a child, also spun like a spinning top after half an hour. In Rostov, we usually go to the Church of Peter and Paul on Pushkinskaya for the throne, it’s also always crowded there, but it’s homely. How old is your grandson now?

Ирина Комарова

Thank you, Ksenia. In Samara, in Petropavlovsk, the bishop usually attends the throne ceremony, but not every year - this year, for example, the bishop could not. And your grandson is already in the service at the age of four, well done, mine at that age generally ran into the vestibule to spin around. Is it always so crowded on Kropotkin Street in Minsk?

Марина Морозова

Here in Ust-Salda it’s also always a bit crowded, especially when everyone comes with children. My youngest grandson is just four years old, and after half an hour he is already starting to fidget and whisper, “Grandma, when will you go home?” And in Rostov on Pushkinskaya you probably end up standing on the street, right?

Иван Богданов

In Moscow, our church is also often crowded, especially on holidays, when people come with children. My youngest grandson, at four years old, began to spin around in the same way after half an hour. How long ago was the last time you were in Rostov on Pushkinskaya?