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A prayer service was held at the Abode of Healing to declare the Vow of Sobrietytranslated

September 6, 2026 · 1 min read

Today, September 6, in the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross in the village of Romashki, the head of the diocesan department for combating drug addiction and alcoholism, Priest Alexander Semenov, co-served by Deacon Andrei Solovyov, performed a prayer service for the declaration of the Vow of Sobriety.

Two students who had gone through the path of healing decided to confirm their choice in the face of God. Brother Alexander, a long-time graduate and former employee of the Network of Anti-Drug Centers, and sister Ekaterina, a current graduate of the Torfyanoe women's rehabilitation center, took their vows of sobriety, asking the Lord for help in preserving the freedom they had been given.

After the service in the refectory of the Sapernoe rehabilitation center, a warm farewell to Catherine to the outside world took place. The event took place in a surprisingly sincere atmosphere. Sister Ekaterina with all the fullness of her heart thanked the clergy led by Father Sergius, as well as her elder sister, nun Nikolai, the mentor of the women’s community, who throughout her journey was a spiritual guide and support for her.

In response, Father Alexander blessed Katya for her future path in life, and the students and volunteers of the Healing Abode prepared poetic parting words for her. IN…

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

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Степан Лисенко

It is good that Brother Oleksandr and Sister Kateryna dared to make a vow just like that, before God. I especially remember how mother Nikola was a real support for Kateryna all this time. May the Lord help them both to hold on.

Тамара Иванова

I’m glad for Katya that she left Torfyanoy today and immediately made a vow. It’s good that Mother Nikola was her support all this time, like a real big sister. May God grant you the strength to continue to hold on.

Grace King

I liked hearing how Sister Catherine thanked Mother Nikola specifically—she really sounded like the steady guide she needed through the whole program. Good on both Alexander and Catherine for making the vow right there in the church. Praying they keep leaning on that same help once they're back in everyday life.

Стоян Колев

Glad for Katya that just today, after graduating from "Torfyanoe", she took her vows in the church. I especially liked that she mentions Nun Nicola as her support all along - it goes to show how important it is to have such a close mentor. God bless them both.

Rebecca Smith

I agree, mentioning Mother Nikola by name really stood out. She was the one who sat with the girls through those long evening talks after chores, and you could see how much that steady presence meant to Catherine. It’ll be interesting to hear in a year or two how they’re both managing once the daily structure of the centre isn’t there anymore.

Степан Тарасов

It’s good that Katya made a vow right in the church immediately after graduating from Torfyanoy. It is clear that Mother Nikola really became a support for her, as they wrote in the article. I wonder how things will turn out for her in the outside world, God willing, that she has enough strength.