The old church stands quiet among the trees, with its tower and entrance framed by green leaves. Took this shot on my run yesterday.

King Abdullah of Jordan told the UN General Assembly that his country remains firmly committed to guarding the Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. Patriarch Theophilus of Jerusalem welcomed the statement as a clear sign of Jordan’s historic role as custodian of those places. The same week the Polish Orthodox Church marked the Nativity of the Theotokos at its cathedral in Wrocław with a full cycle of services that drew families from across the city. In Ohio the Romanian Orthodox community celebrated ninety years of the Annunciation Cathedral in Olmsted Township, filling the nave with three generations who still remember the first liturgy there. Over in Germany the Bulgarian Church held Matins and Liturgy in Stuttgart led by Archpriest Rayko Sinev for the local faithful who gather in a modest rented hall. Each of these moments shows how protection, memory, and simple parish life keep moving forward.

Romanian youth filled Sălaj this week for a lively gathering focused on faith and friendship. The event drew young people from parishes across the country for talks, shared meals, and quiet moments of prayer that mixed serious discussion with relaxed conversation. At the same time, the Orthodox Church in America announced a pastoral visit to Osceola Mills this Sunday, where the local community prepares to welcome their bishop for liturgy and fellowship. In Germany the Bulgarian Orthodox Church will hold Matins and Holy Liturgy on September 27 with Archpriest Rayko Sinev serving in Stuttgart, giving diaspora families a chance to gather. Meanwhile the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch received Father John and the Saint George-Kfarzbad parish council at the Archbishopric House, strengthening ties between clergy and laity. These ordinary meetings show how each local church keeps the everyday work of building community going.

Byzantine music schools across Greece have opened their new enrollment season, drawing students eager to master the ancient chants that shape Orthodox worship. The Church of Greece highlighted related feasts like the Panagia Faneromeni celebration in Ermoupoli, where traditional hymns filled the air during services. Meanwhile, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issued an announcement from the Church of Crete outlining updated liturgical schedules that rely on these same musical traditions. In Romania, the Dolj county gathering of religion teachers discussed ways to incorporate Byzantine chant into school curricula, and the Antiochian Patriarchate welcomed a British Orthodox community into an ancient building where such music has echoed for centuries. These programs keep the living link between melody and prayer intact in parishes from Athens to remote villages. Smaller dioceses report steady interest from young singers who value the discipline and spiritual depth it brings. How does your own parish teach or sing Byzantine music these days?

The Polish Orthodox Church marked the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its cathedral in Wrocław with solemn services and gathered faithful. At the same time the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric celebrated its temple feast at the cathedral in Sydenham with traditional hymns and local participation. The Romanian Orthodox Church held its county meeting of religion teachers in Dolj, focusing on practical ways to pass on the faith to students, while the Church of Greece heard Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia stress that the Church must remain distinct from political power. Elsewhere, a restored 15th-century fresco of the Mother of God was returned to Novgorod Cathedral, and Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem welcomed the King of Jordan’s renewed pledge to safeguard the Holy Places. These coordinated observances across jurisdictions show how local feasts and quiet teaching keep the rhythm of Orthodox life steady from one country to the next.

In the corner of our home, my letters accumulated, and a small lamp burned every evening. We prayed together at night, with me, my husband, and our children. Yesterday, after the prayer, I suddenly felt a bit dizzy and wondered what I could do during the day.

This white church with its golden cross stands beautifully among the trees. A simple photo taken this morning and I liked how it shines in the sun.

Archpriest Rayko Sinev of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church will lead Matins and the Divine Liturgy for the Orthodox community in Stuttgart, Germany, on September 27. The service brings together Bulgarian faithful living abroad with the steady rhythm of parish worship far from home. In Romania an exhibition of old books opens in the capital to mark 1400 years since the Akathist Hymn was written, giving visitors a chance to see rare manuscripts up close. The Orthodox Church in America held a special Hispanic Heritage Month Liturgy where Bishop Boxie described the faith and resilience of Hispanic believers as a genuine gift to the whole Church. Meanwhile the Polish Orthodox Church celebrates the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its cathedral in Wroclaw, drawing local families for the annual commemoration. These ordinary acts of prayer and remembrance keep the parishes alive. May readers hold the Stuttgart community, the Romanian exhibition visitors, the Hispanic faithful in America, and the Wroclaw cathedral in their prayers today.

Yesterday after Vespers, my aunt Hanna, who is already in her eighties, approached me. She showed me how to properly make the antidoron so that it does not get spoiled, and quietly said: "Yuri, the main thing is not to rush, otherwise your prayer will turn out haphazardly." I went home and thought she was right. This morning before the service, I also tried not to hurry.

King Abdullah II of Jordan told the United Nations that his country remains committed to safeguarding the Christian and Muslim Holy Places in Jerusalem. Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem welcomed the speech, saying it reflects Jordan’s long-standing role as custodian of those sites. In the same week the Romanian Orthodox Church marked the 90th anniversary of the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Olmsted Township, Ohio, with festive services and a bishop-led consecration of a new school chapel in Craiova. Meanwhile, the Orthodox Church in America held a Hispanic Heritage Month Mass where Bishop Boxie called the faith and resilience of Hispanic believers a genuine gift to the whole Church. From Stuttgart, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church announced Matins and Liturgy for the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, led by Archpriest Rayko Sinev for the local faithful. How does your parish mark the protection of holy sites or welcome new waves of Orthodox Christians?

The Odesa diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church sent a representative to an international Orthodox conference held in the city, where participants shared practical experiences from parishes across countries. In Jordan, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem welcomed the King of Jordan’s recent UN speech underlining protection of the Holy Places. At the same time, bishops in Ghana from the local Orthodox communities urged stronger action against the growing drug problem among young people. In Ohio, the Romanian Orthodox Church marked the 90th anniversary of the Annunciation Cathedral in Olmsted Township with a festive liturgy and gathering of longtime parishioners. These varied reports show how local churches keep finding ways to strengthen daily life and witness. How has a recent conference, feast, or simple parish project shaped your own community this month?

Romanian youth filled Sălaj this week for a lively gathering focused on faith and friendship. The event drew hundreds of young people for talks, common prayer, and simple shared meals that turned strangers into friends by the end of the weekend. At the same time, the Church of Greece opened its new catechism school year with the theme “Invitation to Life, Faith, Joy, and Hope,” inviting families across dioceses to bring children for weekly lessons rooted in the Gospels. In Poland the Orthodox cathedral in Wrocław celebrated its patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos with a solemn liturgy and parish picnic that lasted well into the afternoon. From North America, the Orthodox Church in America introduced its new pastor in Belle Vernon, whose first interview highlighted plans for more youth nights and service projects. These ordinary moments—youth singing together in Romania, children starting catechism in Greece, families gathering in Wrocław, a new priest settling in Pennsylvania—show how each local Church keeps the faith alive in its own setting. What similar gatherings or new beginnings has your parish seen this autumn?

The Polish Orthodox Church marked the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its cathedral in Wroclaw with solemn services and local faithful gathering for the celebration. At the same time the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric glorified the temple feast in its cathedral in Sydenham, drawing families from across the city for the Liturgy and festive meal afterward. In Romania, the Church awarded painter Horea Paștina, a spiritual disciple of St. Dumitru Stăniloae, the Order of St. Hieromartyr Antim Ivireanul in recognition of his iconographic work. The Church of Greece observed the feast of Saint John the New Martyr in Konitsa, where a quiet procession and prayers remembered his witness under difficult times. These distinct observances show how each local Church keeps the rhythm of the calendar alive in its own setting. May the Mother of God keep the Polish, Macedonian, Romanian, and Greek communities in her gentle care.

Last night I made plain beans with walnuts like my mom used to make. I boiled it in water, then added chopped onion, a little salt and finally added chopped walnuts. It turned out delicious, we ate it cold in the morning with my father before going to work.

Yesterday at the all-night vigil they again sang “Rejoice to the Virgin Mary.” I especially love it because it is short and light, as if the Virgin Mary herself was standing next to it. When we sing, it always pops up in my head how my grandmother learned this prayer by heart before going to bed as a child.

Byzantine music schools across Greece have begun their new enrollment season, drawing students eager to master the ancient chants that shape Orthodox worship. In Athens, the main conservatory reports steady applications from young singers and cantors. The Church of Greece continues to support these programs as vital for preserving liturgical heritage. Meanwhile, the Romanian Orthodox Church highlighted strong spiritual bonds with Greek traditions during Patriarch Daniel’s recent meeting with the mayor of Thessaloniki, where shared Byzantine roots came up naturally. From the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Church of Crete issued explanations on ongoing matters while preparing its own choirs for the coming feasts. In the Antiochian sphere, a British Orthodox community is restoring an ancient building that could eventually host similar music instruction. These quiet efforts keep the old melodies alive in parishes far and wide. May the Lord bless the teachers and students in Greece, Romania, Crete, and Britain with patience and clear voices.

Romanian youth filled the town of Sălaj this week for a lively gathering centered on faith and friendship. The event drew hundreds of young people from parishes across the country for talks, common prayer, and simple shared meals that turned strangers into quick friends. At the same time the Polish Orthodox Church marked the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its Wrocław cathedral with solemn liturgy and crowded procession. In the United States the Orthodox Church in America announced plans for its 2026 Archdiocesan Assembly to be held at the National Cathedral. Meanwhile the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch welcomed Father John Trad and his parish council from Saint George-Kfarzbad for a quiet working meeting at the Archbishopric House. These ordinary moments of gathering, planning, and remembering show how local churches keep moving forward together. May the Lord grant strength and joy to the youth in Romania, the faithful in Poland, the American assembly, and the Antiochian parish.

The Odesa diocese has released a detailed roundup from an international Orthodox conference that drew clergy and scholars from several jurisdictions to discuss shared pastoral challenges and missionary outreach. In Moscow the Patriarch presided over the Assembly of Abbots and Abbesses, focusing on monastic formation and youth education programs. The Romanian Patriarch Daniel welcomed the mayor of Thessaloniki and spoke about longstanding Romanian-Greek spiritual bonds during their meeting at the Patriarchal Residence. Meanwhile the Polish Orthodox Church marked the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its Wrocław cathedral with a full cycle of services and a parish gathering afterward. From North America the Orthodox Church in America highlighted a new priest’s installation in Belle Vernon and Bishop Boxie’s remarks on Hispanic contributions during a special Heritage Month Liturgy. These reports show steady cooperation across borders on practical matters of faith and community life. May the named dioceses and parishes receive strength and peace in their daily labors.

The church with the high rocks stands out among the trees below the pure azure sky. Very beautiful image.

On Saturday, I was at the Monastery of Partoș with Maria and the child. We arrived for lunch, lit a candle before the Icon of the Mother of God, and spent about an hour in the courtyard's peace. On our way back, we stopped by a fountain with cool water, and the child fell asleep immediately in the car.

King Abdullah of Jordan told the UN General Assembly that his country remains firmly committed to guarding the Christian and Muslim Holy Places in Jerusalem. Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem welcomed the statement as a clear sign of continued Hashemite care for the sacred sites. In the same week the Polish Orthodox Church marked the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its cathedral in Wrocław with solemn services. The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric celebrated its parish feast at the cathedral in Sydenham, drawing families from across the city for the liturgy and fellowship meal afterward. Separately, the Romanian Orthodox Church commemorated the 34th anniversary of the current national coat of arms and seal, linking the occasion to prayers for the country’s well-being. These quiet acts of remembrance and welcome show how local churches and ancient patriarchates keep their daily witness alive. May the Lord grant peace and steadfast protection to the communities in Jerusalem, Wrocław, Sydenham, and Romania.

Bulgarian Archpriest Rayko Sinev will lead Matins and the Divine Liturgy for the Orthodox community in Stuttgart on September 27. The service brings together Bulgarian faithful living in Germany and offers a chance for prayer in their own tradition far from home. In Romania, the 90th anniversary of the Annunciation Cathedral in Olmsted Township, Ohio, was marked with gratitude for its long service to generations of immigrants. The Church of Greece welcomed Archbishop Ioannis of Albania to Lefkada in October for joint celebrations, strengthening ties between the two neighboring Churches. From the Antiochian Patriarchate, the British Orthodox community continues its quiet search for a permanent home in an ancient building suited to regular worship. These gatherings show how Orthodox life quietly adapts while keeping its roots. May the parishes in Stuttgart, Olmsted Township, Lefkada, and Britain be granted steady peace and growth in the years ahead.

The Polish Orthodox Church marked the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its Wrocław cathedral with solemn services that drew local faithful and visitors. At the same time the Bulgarian Orthodox Church arranged Matins and Liturgy in Stuttgart for its diaspora community under Archpriest Rayko Sinev. The Romanian Orthodox Church issued a new proposal granting working single parents three extra days of annual leave, which passed the Senate, while the Orthodox Church in America hosted the OCPM production “Suffer with You” at St. Nicholas National Shrine in New York. These gatherings and practical measures show how parishes and institutions keep the calendar of feasts and daily needs in balance across continents. A modest reminder that feast days still shape ordinary schedules.

Yesterday during the choir rehearsal, we sang again "Whoever Shall Put Their Trust in Him." It always reminds me of singing it with my mother in the church on Powązki when I was little. To this day, these words hold me especially strong on difficult days, particularly before the Sunday liturgy.

The church stands among the trees and buildings, and the cross on the dome is visible from afar. A peaceful place; it was good to manage to photograph it.

Byzantine music schools across Greece are now accepting new students for the coming year. The programs, run under the Church of Greece, focus on traditional chant and its role in worship, drawing applicants from several dioceses. In the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the announcement from the Church of Crete highlighted similar efforts to preserve the ancient melodies that shape Orthodox services. The Romanian Orthodox Church marked the 90th anniversary of its cathedral in Olmsted Township with special liturgical music, reminding everyone how these traditions travel with the faithful. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church prepared for services in Stuttgart led by Archpriest Rayko Sinev, where familiar tones from the Byzantine repertoire will again fill the space. Interest remains steady because the schools combine rigorous training with a lived connection to parish life. Applications require basic musical literacy and a letter from a local priest.

The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Zvornik-Tuzla ordained a new deacon this week during a quiet liturgy that drew local families and a few visiting clergy. In the same days the Romanian Orthodox Church saw Metropolitan Irineu consecrate a school chapel in Craiova, while the Polish Orthodox Church celebrated the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos at its Wrocław cathedral. Bulgaria’s Archpriest Rayko Sinev led Matins and Liturgy for the community in Stuttgart, and the Orthodox Church in America marked Youth and Young Adult Sunday with simple parish gatherings across several dioceses. Each event followed its own rhythm: one man stepping into diaconal service, teachers gathering for religious-education talks in Dolj county, scouts pitching tents under the Antiochian patriarch’s blessing. Ordinary steps taken without fanfare. The work continues in its own small measure.