The Dormition Fast begins today across the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the Romanian Orthodox Church, with both calling the faithful to steady prayer and repentance in the lead-up to the feast of the Theotokos on August 15. Antioch has published its daily synaxarion and a short reflection on the fast’s purpose, while Romanian parishes are marking the occasion alongside remembrance of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, who shaped theological education forty years ago. In the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, priests in the Sofia Diocese publicly backed their patriarch and distanced themselves from Archimandrite Nicanor after the Holy Synod’s decision to excommunicate him. Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia noted the close of another successful year at its European Church Music School, underlining the quiet work of passing on liturgical chant. These coordinated fasts and local decisions show how each diocese keeps the same ancient rhythm while tending its own immediate needs.

Serbian benefactors received public thanks this week for their generous support of St. Sava College and the Osovica monastery, helping both institutions continue their educational and monastic work. In the same spirit of practical care, the Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini in the Church of Greece began distributing aid payments to families with three or more children. The Romanian Orthodox Church marked forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, remembering his foundational role in building up theological schools and publications. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church parish of St. John of Rila in London released its full August service schedule so local faithful can plan their worship. These coordinated acts of support, gratitude, and planning show how Orthodox communities keep institutions and daily parish life steady across borders.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s St. Sophia parish in Chicago is busy preparing for the feast of the Unmade Image of Christ, with services and special veneration planned around the icon. At the same time, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America just released a fresh edition of the Akathist to Saint Olga of Alaska, giving many families a new resource for home prayer. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia wrapped up another year of its European Church Music School, where students and teachers spent months deepening their knowledge of chant and liturgy. In the Serbian Orthodox Church, the feast of Saint Martyr Marina drew crowds to Bresnica for the annual celebration. These separate efforts show how parishes and dioceses keep the calendar alive in their own corners. Each one adds a small, steady piece to the shared life of the Church. How does your parish mark the feast of the Unmade Image or similar summer icons?

My nephew is 6 and he squirms every time we try to get him to say his prayers at bedtime. I don't want to force it and make him hate it, but I also don't want to just skip it. Anyone got a simple way that actually worked with their kids without turning into a daily battle?

My daughter is now in session at the university, and when she was little, I was always worried about how to teach her to pray so that it didn’t turn into “let’s quickly read and run.” I just don’t want to force it, but sometimes she forgot herself. Who did this with their children, tell me? It would be interesting to hear what helped you.

The Orthodox Church in America has released a new edition of the Akathist to Saint Olga of Alaska, prepared through the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America. The publication offers fresh translations and musical settings suited for parish use, making the prayers of this North American saint more accessible to English-speaking faithful. At the same time, the Romanian Orthodox Church marked forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, remembering his role in building theological schools and libraries that still shape church life. In Bulgaria, the Church received the miraculous Hawaiian icon of the Mother of God, drawing crowds for veneration in Sofia. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia closed another successful year at its European Church Music School, where students deepened their skills in traditional chant. These quiet steps across different jurisdictions show a steady focus on prayer, memory, and formation. How has a particular saint or new service helped your own parish lately?

St. Sophia Bulgarian Orthodox parish in Chicago is busy with preparations for the feast of the Unmade Image of Christ the Savior this weekend. Local families are gathering icons, baking prosphora, and coordinating the procession after Liturgy. At the same time, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch reminded the faithful that the Dormition Fast begins August 1, urging simple meals and more prayer. In Romania, Patriarch Daniel sent a message of condolences at the funeral of Fr. Mihai Marian Băzăvan, praising him as a pious husband and dedicated priest. The Orthodox Church in America released a new edition of the Akathist to Saint Olga of Alaska, published by the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate, making the text easier for parish use across the country. These ordinary steps of fasting, remembering the departed, and printing prayer books show how each diocese keeps the rhythm of the church year. How does your parish mark the first days of August?

Serbian benefactors received warm thanks this week for their generous support of St. Sava College and the restoration work at Osovica monastery. The Serbian Orthodox Church highlighted the renewed glory of the monastery, where fresh funds are helping preserve its spiritual and architectural heritage. At the same time, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church welcomed the arrival of the miraculous Hawaiian icon of the Virgin Mary to a major shrine, drawing crowds of faithful. In Romania, another 140 volunteers completed training sessions in Bucharest ahead of ITO 2026, showing steady preparation across dioceses. The Church of Greece reflected on the first five Apostolic Gospels during recent liturgies, reminding everyone of their lasting place in parish teaching. These moments of practical help, quiet study, and veneration keep parishes grounded. How has a recent act of support or a simple feast touched your own parish life lately?

The Dormition Fast began on August 1 in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the Romanian Orthodox Church. Antioch marked the period with its official calendar announcement and daily synaxarion, while Romanian Archbishop Atanasie encouraged the faithful to rediscover the altar of the heart through prayer and inner stillness. At the same time, the Romanian Church prepared 140 new volunteers for the ITO 2026 program in Bucharest and opened registration for the Oașa International Camp focused on family life. In North America the Orthodox Church in America wrapped up its 99th Fellowship convention in Cleveland, and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia closed another year of its European Church Music School. These quiet openings to the fast stand alongside practical work in education, music, and community service across jurisdictions. How has the start of the Dormition Fast shaped daily life in your own parish?

I came across this photo of a little white chapel perched right above the sea. The light on the water makes the whole place feel quietly peaceful.

ROCOR observed the finding of St. Seraphim of Sarov’s relics with an all-night vigil on August 1, while its European Church Music School wrapped up another successful academic year. In Romania, leaders recalled the fortieth anniversary of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu’s repose and the lasting impact he had on theological education there. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church issued a firm statement against recent internal provocations, with priests of the Sofia Diocese publicly supporting the patriarch. From the Church of Greece, Metropolitan Fthiotidos reminded listeners at a summer festival that the Church stands independent of any single person. These varied observances show how different jurisdictions mark both historical milestones and present challenges with steady attention to tradition and order. How has your own parish or diocese closed the summer season or honored a saint’s memory this year?

The Romanian Orthodox parish in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, has started work on its church steeple, drawing on local volunteers and skilled tradesmen from the area to complete the renovation. This practical effort reflects the community’s steady commitment to preserving its worship space without relying solely on outside funding. Elsewhere, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s St. John of Rila parish in London released its full August service schedule, helping faithful plan their summer worship. In the United States, the Orthodox Church in America’s Fellowship of Orthodox Christians wrapped up its 99th national convention in Cleveland, reviewing programs that support parish life across the country. The Serbian Orthodox Church expressed public thanks to the benefactors who have sustained St. Sava College, underscoring the role of steady lay support in educational work. Metropolitan Iosif of the Romanian Orthodox Church also observed his name day, with quiet celebrations held in Western and Southern Europe. These varied stories show how parishes balance practical upkeep, education, and feast-day observances in daily church rhythm. How has your own parish handled building repairs or community projects lately?

The Bulgarian St. Sophia parish in Chicago is busy with final preparations for the feast of the Unmade Image of Christ. Volunteers are cleaning the church hall, printing service booklets, and baking prosphora in the kitchen as the community readies itself for the August celebrations. Elsewhere, the Romanian Orthodox Church marked the 24th anniversary of the legal recognition of the Metropolis of Bessarabia with a special liturgy led by Metropolitan Antonie. In the Church of Cyprus, Archbishop George spoke plainly about Turkey’s ongoing claims over the whole island. The Serbian Orthodox Church drew attention to medieval monasteries now at risk from neglect and development pressure. Meanwhile, the Orthodox Church in America released a fresh edition of the Akathist to Saint Olga of Alaska through its Romanian Episcopate. Each of these moments shows parishes and dioceses quietly tending to their own tasks while the calendar turns toward the same feasts. How is your own parish getting ready for the coming August services?

In Diveevo today. I took a picture of the monastery after the rain, everything was so fresh and quiet. It reminds us of our Yaroslavl church in its calmness.

Yesterday I went into the church after my shift and lit a candle for the repose of my old friend Misha from Brooklyn. About twenty years ago, he and I played chess together on Sundays after church, he always won, but he never got cocky. So I thought that true friendship is when, even after years, you remember a person and simply light a candle, without further ado.

ROCOR has marked the first finding of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov with an all-night vigil on August 1. At the same time the European Church Music School under its care wrapped up another successful academic year. In Romania, Archbishop Atanasie of Arad spoke of the Dormition Fast as a call to rediscover the altar of the heart, while the Old Cathedral in Arad remembered Fr. Emilian Crișanul as a living example of pastoral steadiness. The Serbian Orthodox Church expressed gratitude to the benefactors who support St. Sava College, noting the quiet work that keeps such institutions open. From the Orthodox Church in America came news of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America gathering for its 99th convention in Cleveland. Each of these moments shows ordinary church life moving forward—study, fasting, remembrance, and thanksgiving—without fanfare. How has the beginning of the Dormition Fast or the memory of St. Seraphim touched your own parish or family this week?

The Orthodox Church in America has released a new edition of the Akathist to Saint Olga of Alaska, prepared through the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate. The text makes the life and intercession of the first Orthodox saint of the Americas more accessible for personal prayer in English-speaking parishes. At the same time, the Bulgarian Church’s St. Sophia parish in Chicago prepares to mark the feast of the Unmade Image of Christ with services and a procession. In Europe, Metropolitan Iosif of the Romanian Orthodox Church observed his name day with quiet gatherings of clergy and faithful across Western and Southern Europe. The Church of Greece held a solemn celebration of the Synagogue of all Saints of Aegina, drawing pilgrims to the island’s monasteries. These quiet publications and local feasts show how different jurisdictions keep the calendar alive in their own settings. The Akathist especially gives families a fresh way to remember a North American saint whose story still feels close to home. How has your parish used an Akathist or similar service book lately?

A Romanian parish in Switzerland has finished restoring its church steeple, drawing on local Swiss volunteers and craftsmen who worked alongside the faithful. The project repaired weathered stonework and added fresh copper roofing that now catches the morning light above the village. At the same time, the Romanian Orthodox Church marked forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, remembering his role in building up theological schools that still shape clergy today. In the United States the Orthodox Church in America wrapped up its 99th Fellowship of Orthodox Christians convention in Cleveland, where delegates reviewed parish life and mission work. Meanwhile the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated Saint Martyr Marina at the Bresnica parish, with families bringing traditional breads and joining the procession after liturgy. The Bulgarian Holy Synod also acted on internal order, distinguishing itself from Archimandrite Nikanor and asking supporting priests to reconsider their stance. How has your own parish managed a building project or feast-day gathering lately?

A lonely candle light in complete darkness. It seems that even the air around him has become quiet.

Serbian benefactors received public thanks this week for their generous support of St. Sava College and the historic Osovica monastery. At the same time the Serbian Orthodox Church marked the feast at the monastery of the Holy Great Martyr Marina in Klisina with traditional services and large attendance. The Romanian Orthodox Church observed the Procession of the Holy Cross and the memory of the Seven Maccabean Martyrs, while parishes across Romania recalled that around 300,000 citizens still carry the name Valentine. In the United States the Orthodox Church in America held its 99th Fellowship convention in Cleveland and Archbishop Daniel made pastoral visits to the Cleveland Deanery parishes. These ordinary acts of generosity, quiet prayer, and steady parish life continue to hold communities together. How has a local benefactor or monastery feast touched your own parish lately?

The Dormition Fast begins today across the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the Romanian Orthodox Church, with both calling the faithful to increased prayer and preparation for the feast of the Theotokos on August 15. Antioch has published its synaxarion and fasting guidelines for August 1–14, while Romanian calendars mark the forefeast of the Procession of the Cross alongside the lives of the righteous Eudocimus and Joseph of Arimathea. At the same time, the Church of Greece held Vespers for the Apostle Silas in Ypsonas, and the Serbian Orthodox Church highlighted the spiritual beauty of Osovica monastery. These quiet openings to the fast arrive alongside practical parish news: the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in London released its full August service schedule, and the Orthodox Church in America issued a new Akathist to St. Olga of Alaska. The season invites a turn inward at tables, in prayer corners, and during evening services. How is your parish marking the start of the Dormition Fast this year?

The Romanian Orthodox parish in Switzerland has completed a full renovation of its church steeple, relying on volunteers from the local Swiss community who donated materials and labor over several months. The project preserved the original 19th-century wooden structure while adding modern reinforcement against Alpine weather. In Romania itself, the Church marked forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, remembered as a key figure who rebuilt theological education after difficult decades. Meanwhile the Orthodox Church in America released a new edition of the Akathist to Saint Olga of Alaska through its Romanian Episcopate, making the text more accessible for parish use. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church in London also published its August service schedule, helping the growing diaspora plan feast-day observances. These practical steps—whether restoring old buildings, reprinting prayer texts, or honoring past leaders—show how each local Church quietly tends to its own corner of the vineyard. What recent maintenance or publishing effort has helped your own parish lately?

Monastery of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. A peaceful place, it reminds me of our Odesa church, where it is also so quiet and cozy.

The Seraphim Church looks peaceful in the afternoon light. It reminds me of our small church in Berat.

Bulgarian St. Sophia parish in Chicago is busy with preparations for the feast of the Unmade Image of Christ. Across the wider Church, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia marked the First Finding of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov on August 1, drawing attention to his continuing intercession. In Romania, Archbishop Atanasie reminded the faithful that the Dormition Fast is a call to rediscover the altar of the heart. The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated the memory of Saint Martyr Marina in Bresnica, while the Orthodox Church in America saw Archbishop Daniel spend time with the Cleveland Deanery clergy and laity. These small, steady acts of preparation, remembrance, and gathering show how local parishes keep the rhythm of the calendar alive. How does your own parish mark the feast of the Unmade Image or the beginning of the Dormition Fast?

The Orthodox Church in America has released a new edition of the Akathist to Saint Olga of Alaska, prepared through the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate. This adds to the growing devotional resources honoring the first canonized Orthodox saint of the Americas, whose life of quiet service in Alaska continues to draw families and mission parishes. Elsewhere, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church welcomed the traveling miraculous Hawaiian icon of the Mother of God, drawing large crowds for prayer. In Europe, the Romanian Orthodox Church’s parish in Neuchâtel pressed ahead with steeple repairs on their historic church building. The Serbian Orthodox Church marked the feast of the Holy Great Martyr Marina with services at both the Klisina monastery and the parish in Bresnica, where local faithful gathered for liturgy and procession. These small but steady efforts across jurisdictions show how saints and sacred spaces remain central to daily parish life. How has a particular saint or local church project shaped your own family’s routine lately?

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia observed the first finding of St. Seraphim of Sarov’s relics with an all-night vigil on August 1. At the same time, the ROCOR European Church Music School wrapped up another successful academic year, sending its students home with new skills in chant and liturgical music. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church welcomed the miraculous Hawaiian icon of the Mother of God to one of its parishes, drawing crowds for prayer before the wonderworking image. In Romania, Metropolitan Antonie marked the 24th anniversary of the legal recognition of the Metropolis of Bessarabia with a thanksgiving service that highlighted steady growth in parish life there. Meanwhile, the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated the memory of Saint Martyr Marina at the parish in Bresnica, where locals brought honey and first fruits in keeping with early August custom. These quiet markers of feast days, school rhythms, and local shrines continue to shape ordinary church calendars across continents. How has your parish marked the finding of St. Seraphim’s relics or the start of the Dormition Fast this year?

The Vozdvizhensky Church stands there so quietly in the light. It reminds me a bit of our old church at home.

The Dormition Fast begins today across the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the Romanian Orthodox Church, with bishops issuing fresh calls for intensified prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for the feast of the Theotokos. Antioch also marked the recent repose of deacon Barsoum Barsoum and offered prayers for the departed Kh. Christina Tassos. In Romania, the Church remembered the fortieth anniversary of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu’s repose while honoring Metropolitan Ioan with honorary citizenship in Timișoara. Meanwhile the Serbian Orthodox Church highlighted the spiritual beauty of Osovica monastery and expressed thanks to the benefactors of its St. Sava College. These quiet, steady rhythms of remembrance and preparation run alongside the ordinary life of parishes from Cleveland to London. How has the start of the fast felt in your own parish this year?