Archpriest Anthony Shvarev held a spiritual conversation with employees of the Federal Penitentiary Servicetranslated

July 11, 2026 · 1 min read

Archpriest Anthony Shvarev, assistant to the head of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Penza region for work with believers, gave a lecture for employees of the penal system dedicated to the life of the holy faithful Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia, the Murom miracle workers. Saints Peter and Fevronia have long been considered the patrons of family and marriage; people pray to them for the good upbringing of children. Their life is an example of love and fidelity, patience [...]

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Jiří Veselý

Thank you for reminding St. Peter and Fevronia. It is good that they also talk about their example of faithfulness and patience with people who work in prisons - it is especially useful there.

Helen Bennett

Yes, their story of patience and sticking together really does fit well in a prison setting. I remember reading how Fevronia stayed faithful even when things looked impossible. Good that Father Antony brought it up to the staff there.

Photini Taylor

Their story of patience really does hit different in a prison environment. I like that Father Antony tied it to raising kids too — my own daughter is only eight, and I catch myself praying to them for that exact thing. Have you read the full life of Sts. Peter and Fevronia, or just the short version?

Andrés López

Yes, the example of patience and fidelity of Saint Peter and Saint Fevronia comes in handy for those who work in prisons. I liked that Father Antonio also talked about educating children, because that is what I ask for most when I pray for my three grandchildren. Does anyone know if

Георгий Новиков

A good topic for employees of the Federal Penitentiary Service. For Peter and Fevronia, loyalty and patience really came first, and this is required in their work every day. I always tell my daughters to turn to these saints when they pray for their family.

Θεοδώρα Μακρή

Good idea to talk about St. Peter and Fevronia to the prison officials. The patience and faith they had is much needed in such places. I often pray to them for my cousin's marriage.

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

I agree, Theodora, the patience these employees need every day is a great test. I have seen them up close when I went on business at the reservation store near us. Are you praying for your cousin too? I hope all goes well with her marriage.

Thomas Johnson

Yes, the patience part lands harder when you're dealing with long sentences and family visits that get cancelled. I only know the short life from the service book, but the bit about Fevronia healing Peter without asking for anything in return always sticks with me. Does your eight-year-old know any of their story yet, or is it still just the prayers for now?

Elizabeth Taylor

Yes, that healing part really shows what selfless love looks like, doesn't it. My eight-year-old has heard the short version a couple times at the sewing circle when we talk about family saints, but mostly we stick to the prayers before bed for now. How do you usually explain the patience bit to folks inside?

Mark Baker

The healing part does hit different, especially when you see how Peter stuck by her even after the court threw him out. I usually tell the lads inside that real patience isn't just waiting around — it's choosing to forgive the same mess day after day without keeping score. Your sewing circle sounds like a good spot for the little ones; does your eight-year-old ever ask questions about why Fevronia didn't just give up on the whole thing?

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