Dneska večer jsem doma upekla dva plechy koláčů s mákem a tvarohem na nedělní posvícení. Těsto mi tentokrát hezky nakynulo, tak snad vydrží do zítřka. Vnukové mi hned utrhli kousky na ochutnání, tak uvidíme, jestli něco zbyde pro ostatní.

A youth pilgrimage organized by the ROCOR diocese has departed for Serbia, where the young travelers will visit historic monasteries and join local believers in prayer and fellowship. At the same time, the Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Leonty, recalling his foundational work in building parishes across North America. The Church of Greece reflected on the feast of the Dormition, noting how the Virgin Mary shows the goal toward which all humanity is called through her life of obedience and love. In Romania, the faithful observed the leavetaking of the Dormition with readings that included the Gospel account of the rich young man, reminding congregations of the call to generous discipleship. May the Lord strengthen the bonds between these communities and grant safe journeys and quiet hearts to all who serve him today.

The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated this week in the newly established ROCOR parish in Liechtenstein, marking an important step for Orthodox faithful in that small Alpine country. At the same time, the Orthodox Church in America remembered Metropolitan Leonty on the 150th anniversary of his birth, highlighting his role in building up church life across North America. In Antioch, the parish shepherd accepted an invitation from the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners and joined a visit to the Archbishopric House on August 22. Romanian churches observed the leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God along with the memory of Hieromartyr Irenaeus of Lyons. These quiet advances show steady parish growth and ongoing remembrance of the saints and teachers who shaped Orthodox tradition. How has a new mission or a local feast day been marked in your own parish lately?

Вот открытка с церковью святых Петра и Павла. На ней видна улица с деревьями, машины и само здание храма. Спокойное такое место.

The Romanian Archdiocese of Arad has launched a supply drive for vulnerable children, gathering clothes, school supplies, and basic necessities for families struggling this fall. Local parishes are coordinating drop-off points and working with social workers to make sure the aid reaches the right homes without delay. Meanwhile the Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of Metropolitan Leonty’s birth with quiet services and talks that highlighted his work building parishes across North America. In the Serbian Orthodox Church, columnist Zoran Ćirjaković examined the situation of the Metropolis of Montenegro, noting ongoing tensions over church property and local identity. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine reported two recent meetings by Metropolitan Epiphany with leaders from Danish and British churches, focused on practical cooperation rather than politics. These small initiatives show how each local church finds its own way to serve.

A new school of Byzantine music has opened its doors in Iași, offering free classes to singers of every age and background. The initiative, backed by the Romanian Orthodox Church, aims to pass on the ancient chant tradition in a practical, hands-on way with weekly lessons already filling up. In the Orthodox Church in America, parishes marked the 150th anniversary of Metropolitan Leonty’s birth with services that recalled his work building the Church on this continent. Meanwhile the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch arranged a day trip for a parish priest as part of the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners, giving him a chance to rest and pray at the Archbishopric House. Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine held two quiet meetings with Western church leaders, one with the general secretary of the Council of Churches of Denmark and another with Bishop Hugh Nels of Worcester, both focused on practical cooperation. The school in Iași already plans to add children’s choirs next month.

The centenary of the repose of the Serbian spiritual elder Savo Nakićenović was commemorated this week with a solemn liturgy at the monastery where he had lived and taught for decades. Clergy and faithful from several dioceses gathered to honor his quiet guidance of generations of monks and laypeople through prayer and simple counsel. In the same days the Orthodox Church in America remembered the 150th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Leonty, whose tireless work built up parishes across North America in the last century. The Romanian Church kept the leavetaking of the Dormition with services that drew attention to the life of Hieromartyr Irenaeus of Lyons and his clear words on following Christ without compromise. From the Church of Greece came a short reflection on the icon of the Virgin as the image of where every Christian life is meant to head. How has your own parish marked the memory of its local elders or teachers lately?

Лісна стежка веде до маленької дерев’яної каплички. Світло пробивається крізь дерева так спокійно, що хочеться просто постояти і помовчати.

Metropolitan Leonty, who led the Orthodox Church in America through much of the 20th century, is being remembered today on the 150th anniversary of his birth. The OCA highlighted his tireless work building parishes, founding monasteries, and guiding thousands of immigrants into the faith while keeping services in English so the next generation would stay connected. In Romania, the Church marked the leavetaking of the Dormition with quiet services focused on the life of the Theotokos and the witness of Hieromartyr Irenaeus. Meanwhile the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch arranged a special visit for a parish priest to the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners, giving him time to see firsthand how the Church supports those behind bars. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church observed a normal liturgical day without major announcements. These small signs of steady pastoral care across continents invite prayer for the communities that still draw strength from the examples set by their bishops and simple acts of mercy.

The centenary of Savo Nakićenović, a longtime protector of church properties and spiritual teacher in Montenegro, was solemnly observed this week by the Serbian Orthodox Church with a liturgy and public lecture in Cetinje. At the same time, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia sent its diocesan youth on pilgrimage to Serbian monasteries, where the young people joined local faithful for vespers and talks on the lives of recent confessors. In North America the Orthodox Church in America held a memorial for Protodeacon Alexei Dupay, longtime servant of the altar whose quiet work shaped several Midwest parishes. Meanwhile the Church of Greece reported that the Metropolis of Kitrou staffed a booth at the Katerini Trade Festival, offering books, icons, and conversation to thousands of visitors. These ordinary acts of memory, travel, service, and outreach keep the daily fabric of church life intact. May the communities in Cetinje, the ROCOR youth group, the OCA Midwest parishes, and the Kitrou diocese be remembered in prayer.

The Romanian Orthodox Church’s Archdiocese of Arad has launched a supply drive for vulnerable children, gathering clothing, school supplies, and basic necessities to help families in need ahead of the new school year. At the same time, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia sent a group of young pilgrims to Serbia for a week of prayer, visits to monasteries, and fellowship. The Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Leonty, recalling his tireless work building parishes across North America. In the Serbian Orthodox Church, a new article examined the ongoing discussion about the future status of the Church in Montenegro. These quiet efforts show how local dioceses keep practical care and remembrance of the saints woven into daily church life. May readers hold the children of Arad, the youth pilgrims, and all these communities in their prayers today.

A new Byzantine music school has opened its doors in Iași, offering free classes in chanting and hymnography to anyone from schoolchildren to retirees. The initiative, backed by the Romanian Orthodox Church, aims to pass on the ancient tradition without cost or barriers. In the same week the Romanian patriarchate addressed a young man selling homemade “protective” icons on TikTok, reminding the faithful that genuine spiritual life cannot be bought or sold. Meanwhile the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia sent a group of young pilgrims to Serbia for a week of prayer and visits to historic monasteries. Across the Atlantic the Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of Metropolitan Leonty’s birth, recalling his steady hand in building parishes during difficult times. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch arranged a restorative trip for a parish priest through the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners. These small steps show how different corners of the Church keep handing on what they received. The school in Iași is already filling its first notebooks.

Сега читам „Невидливата борба“ од свети Никодим. Ми остана во глава како вели дека човек најмногу се бори со своите мисли уште пред да стори нешто. Вечерва после литургија седнав на клупата пред црквата и се сетив колку често ми се вртат тие глупави грижи за децата наместо да се молам. Многу практично ми дојде.

Во дворе церкви старый каменный колодец. Свет падает на камень так спокойно, что сразу думаешь о тишине.

The diocesan youth pilgrimage from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia has set off for Serbia, where the young travelers will visit historic monasteries and connect with local Orthodox communities. In Romania, the Church marked the leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God alongside the memory of Martyr Lupus, slave of St. Demetrius, drawing families to quiet services that blend fasting and simple parish meals. The Orthodox Church in America remembered Protodeacon Alexei Dupay with warm accounts of his decades of service at the altar, while the same jurisdiction marked the 150th anniversary of Metropolitan Leonty’s birth through modest lectures and photo exhibits at several parishes. Separately, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch arranged a visit for its prison-care workers hosted at the Archbishopric House, giving volunteers a chance to rest and reflect before returning to their ministry. May these young pilgrims and the faithful serving quietly in each place be kept in prayer.

The first Divine Liturgy was held this week in the newly established ROCOR parish in Liechtenstein, marking an expansion of regular Orthodox worship in the small Alpine country. In the United States, the Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Leonty with services and reflections on his missionary work. The Serbian Orthodox Church welcomed a diocesan youth pilgrimage from ROCOR that traveled to historic monasteries in Serbia for prayer and fellowship. Meanwhile, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch organized a special trip for a parish priest through the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners, hosted at the Archbishopric House. These gatherings show how small new footholds and long-standing ties continue to shape daily church life.

The Romanian Archdiocese of Arad has launched a supply drive for vulnerable children, gathering clothes, school supplies, and basic food items for families in need across several rural parishes. At the same time, the Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Leonty, highlighting his role in building parishes and seminaries that still shape church life today. From the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, a diocesan youth pilgrimage recently set off for Serbia, giving young people a chance to visit monasteries and connect with the living tradition. In the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, a parish priest joined a trip organized by the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners, spending time with those inside and their families. Elsewhere the calendar turned to the memory of Hieromartyr Irenaeus. These small initiatives.

Las cúpulas doradas brillan con esa luz suave del atardecer. Da una sensación de paz y orden que uno agradece ver.

A new Byzantine music school opened its doors in Iași, Romania, offering free classes in chant and hymnography to students of every age. The program already draws participants from local parishes and neighboring towns who want to deepen their understanding of traditional liturgical singing. At the same time, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia marked the first Divine Liturgy in its new parish in Liechtenstein, while its diocesan youth pilgrimage set off for monasteries in Serbia. The Orthodox Church in America remembered Protodeacon Alexei Dupay and, separately, observed the 150th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Leonty. These coordinated steps show how Orthodox communities keep handing on the faith through worship, education, and shared travel. The school in Iași gives ordinary believers a practical place to start.

The centenary of the repose of Archimandrite Savo Nakićenović was marked with a solemn Liturgy and memorial gathering at the monastery where he had served for decades in the Serbian Orthodox Church. In the same week the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia sent its diocesan youth on pilgrimage to several Serbian holy sites, giving young people a chance to walk the same paths the elder once walked. The Orthodox Church in America remembered Protodeacon Alexei Dupay with quiet services that highlighted his long years of altar service and teaching. Meanwhile the Romanian Orthodox Church issued a firm warning against a young man selling supposed miracle icons on TikTok, reminding the faithful that spiritual gifts cannot be bought or sold. These separate events show how memory, formation, and vigilance continue side by side across local churches. What similar observances or cautions has your own parish taken up lately?

Утром в пустой церкви свет такой мягкий, а дым от ладана висит в воздухе почти неподвижно. Тихо и спокойно.

The diocesan youth pilgrimage from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia has set off for Serbia, where the group will join the XVII Feast of Our Lady celebrations in Kragujevac. At the same time, the Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of Metropolitan Leonty’s birth with services of remembrance across several parishes. In Greece, the Church of Greece joined the Greek Red Cross in issuing ten practical instructions to help people stay safe during the current heat wave. Meanwhile, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch hosted a special trip for a parish shepherd organized by the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners. These coordinated efforts show how Orthodox communities keep connecting younger and older believers across continents through shared feasts, practical care, and quiet remembrance. This matters because it keeps the faith alive in daily life and ordinary travel.

The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated this week in the newly established ROCOR parish in Liechtenstein, marking a quiet but significant step for Orthodox presence in the small Alpine principality. At the same time the Romanian Orthodox Church observed the leavetaking of the Dormition with services dedicated to Saint Lupus and Hieromartyr Irenaeus, while its new Byzantine music school in Iași opened free classes for both children and adults. The Orthodox Church in America remembered Metropolitan Leonty on the 150th anniversary of his birth, and the Serbian Orthodox Church saw the start of a ROCOR diocesan youth pilgrimage to historic Serbian monasteries. These developments show steady parish growth, education, and remembrance across widely separated corners of the Church. How is your own parish marking new beginnings or local feasts right now?

Свежий хлеб для общей трапезы. Пахнет так, что сразу хочется сесть за стол.

The Orthodox Church in America is marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Leonty, longtime leader who helped shape the Church on American soil after arriving from Russia in the early twentieth century. His vision for a local, English-speaking Orthodoxy still guides many parishes today. At the same time, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia opened its first Divine Liturgy in a new parish in Liechtenstein and sent young people on a diocesan pilgrimage through historic sites in Serbia. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch arranged a special trip for a parish priest through the Orthodox Society for the Care of Prisoners, giving him a chance to see the ministry firsthand. These quiet steps show steady work across continents and languages. May the communities of the OCA, ROCOR, and Antioch find fresh strength in the examples of their predecessors.

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem presented an award to the EU ambassador for consistent support of Christian communities in the Holy Land. In the same week, the Serbian Orthodox Church opened its XVII Feast of Our Lady in Kragujevac with thousands gathering for liturgy and processions through the city streets. The Romanian Patriarch reminded clergy and laity that genuine prayer must be joined with a clean life and concrete almsgiving, a theme echoed in recent sermons across several dioceses. Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia sent its youth on pilgrimage to historic Serbian monasteries, and the Orthodox Church in America marked the 150th anniversary of Metropolitan Leonty’s birth with quiet services recalling his work among early immigrants. These ordinary acts of honor, pilgrimage, teaching, and remembrance continue quietly across jurisdictions. May these communities be kept in prayer.

Ранкове світло пробивається крізь кадило, а в церкві нікого. Тиша така, що аж чутно, як дим повільно кружляє.

We're taking a little trip next Saturday to the monastery up in the mountains with a few folks from the parish. Just a day drive, some quiet time at the services, and maybe fishing if the weather holds. My wife is packing sandwiches and I'm hoping our daughter stays awake for the whole ride this time.

Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Saints Peter and Paul parish in Endicott this week, meeting with clergy and faithful, blessing the newly renovated hall, and celebrating the Divine Liturgy together. At the same time the Serbian Orthodox Church marked the XVII Feast of Our Lady in Kragujevac with large crowds and traditional singing, while the Romanian Orthodox Church opened a new Byzantine music school in Iași offering free classes to both children and adults. Meanwhile the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia saw its first Divine Liturgy in the new parish in Liechtenstein and began a diocesan youth pilgrimage to Serbia. These ordinary but steady steps show parishes and dioceses simply keeping the rhythm of church life. How is your own parish marking the end of summer?