Red brick church with two bell towers and a bell. I took pictures yesterday when I passed by, my soul was very calm from this view.

Yesterday in the church I lit a candle for an old friend, Thimi, who left us two years ago. I knew her since we were young in Elbasan, together we planted flowers in the yard of her house and we laughed about small things. True friendship remains after all this time, just light a candle and remember.

The three arched windows with colored glass on the red bricks look beautiful. The light shines through them really nicely.

Youth outreach took center place this week in several Macedonian parishes when Metropolitan Georgij welcomed representatives from the Macedonian Bible Society to Vranishka parish and its active Orthodox Youth group. The visit included talks on Scripture, distribution of Bibles, and discussions on how young people can live the faith in daily life. At the same time, the Macedonian Orthodox Church held its regular Sunday Liturgy at the historic Church of the Mother of God Peribleptos in Ohrid, drawing families and youth together in worship. Elsewhere, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch announced Metropolitan Saba’s support for a Special Olympics sports camp that will involve young athletes from Orthodox communities. In the Romanian Orthodox Church, the feast of the Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia reminded parishes of the witness of young saints. The Serbian Orthodox Church marked a memorial service at the Mileseva monastery, where families gathered with their children to pray for the departed. These coordinated visits and feasts show how local churches keep connecting Scripture, worship, and the next generation in ordinary parish settings.

The Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God was carried in solemn procession through parishes of Ukraine’s Vinnytsia diocese this week, drawing large crowds for prayer and veneration on its feast. At the same time, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated its first Liturgy in Ghana, with the ambassador voicing hope that services would continue regularly. In the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Georgij visited Vranishta parish together with representatives of the Macedonian Biblical Association and Orthodox youth to strengthen local ties. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marked the final Liturgy of Father Velin Iliev at St Cyril and Methodius parish in Melbourne before his departure. These separate moments show how veneration, mission, and ordinary parish life keep moving forward across distant corners of the Church. This matters because they quietly hold the faith together in daily practice.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople marked the anniversary of a bishop’s ordination with solemn Vespers in Chalcedon followed by Divine Liturgy in Panagia Kamariotissa on Halki. In the same days the Serbian Orthodox Church gathered at the Mileseva monastery for the memorial service on Zadusnica, remembering the departed with traditional prayers and koliva. The Romanian Orthodox Church observed the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, reading the synodikon and honoring the confessors who defended the icons. Meanwhile the Orthodox Church in America held its St. Olga Clergy Wives Gathering during the diocesan assembly in the Midwest, offering quiet support and practical fellowship for those serving parishes. These separate observances show the steady rhythm of episcopal memory, synodal fidelity, and everyday pastoral care across jurisdictions. May the Lord grant many years to the celebrating bishop and steady strength to the clergy families in all the named Churches.

Last night after dinner, my daughter and I stood in front of the icon corner. They lit a lamp in front of Kazanskaya, read “Our Father”, “Virgin Mother of God” and evening prayers according to the prayer book. The eldest son couldn’t make it this time, he was on shift, but she told him that they also remembered him at home.

The Feast of the 99 Venerable Fathers at Azogyres drew crowds to the remote monastic site in Crete where the ascetics once lived and struggled. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople celebrated Vespers followed by Divine Liturgy right at the spot of their ancient labors. In the same week the Church of Greece marked the memory of Saint James the Apostle of Alphaeus with services across its dioceses. Meanwhile the Romanian Orthodox Church observed the feast of the Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia together with Venerables Bassian and Theophilus the Confessor, and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church held a patriarchal Liturgy at the St John of Rila Monastery in Germany. Local parishes in each place kept the services simple and focused, with many faithful traveling early to join the prayers. The gatherings stayed close to the old monastic pattern of reading, chanting, and quiet reflection. This matters because such local feasts quietly knit distant Orthodox communities to their shared spiritual roots.

Sunday at church left me with something simple. In the report, when Pope-Demetrius said the name of the apostle Philip, I suddenly remembered how my little girl had asked last week "who is this Philip?". In the end, my wife and daughter and I went for coffee at my mother-in-law's house, as we usually do. Nothing more, but I felt grateful that we are together.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople marked the anniversary of a bishop’s ordination with solemn Vespers in Chalcedon followed by Divine Liturgy in Panagia Kamariotissa on Prinkipo. The services drew clergy and laity from across the Phanar, underlining continuity in the ancient see. At the same time the Bulgarian Patriarchate gathered for patriarchal Liturgy at the St John of Rila monastery in German, while Metropolitan John of Varna spoke at a pan-Orthodox gathering about the conciliar message of Crete and the everyday demands of ecclesial witness today. In Romania, Metropolitan Teofan blessed the new Mușatinii school in Roman and reminded parents that Christian formation remains the cornerstone of any lasting education. The Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric kept a quieter rhythm with Archbishopric Liturgy at the Perivleptos church in Ohrid and a visit by Metropolitan Georgi to the Vranish parish youth group. These ordinary gatherings, spread across jurisdictions, show how each local Church keeps its own calendar while remaining aware of the wider family.

The Macedonian Orthodox Church welcomed Metropolitan Georgij and representatives from the Macedonian Bible Society to Vranish Parish, where they met with the local Orthodox Youth group to discuss Scripture engagement and practical ways to draw young people deeper into parish life. In the same spirit, the Romanian Orthodox Church saw Metropolitan Teofan bless the new Mușatinii school in Roman, stressing the lasting importance of Christian formation for children and teens. From the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the feast of the 99 Venerable Fathers of Azogyres on Crete brought together families and youth to honor the ascetic heritage of the island through talks and common prayer. Meanwhile, the Serbian Orthodox Church gathered believers at the monastery of Mileševa for the memorial Saturday service, with several youth choirs taking part in the singing and later sharing a meal with the monks. These moments show steady, local efforts to keep the next generation connected to the faith. May these communities be remembered in prayer.

Parents’ school activities have begun in the Diocese of Rhodes, Greece, with evening sessions on faith, family life, and the place of saints in daily routines. The initiative invites mothers and fathers to join weekly gatherings that mix teaching with practical discussion about raising children in the Church. In the Church of Greece, the Metropolis of Lefkada opened its new academic year at the School of Byzantine Music, while the Diocese of Dryinoupolis started catechetical courses aimed at both adults and youth. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Sofia runs its Sunday school at the rotunda of St George the Victorious, where children and parents study together each week. The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric welcomed Metropolitan Georgij and representatives of the Macedonian Biblical Association to the Vranish parish and its Orthodox Youth group, underlining the link between family, Scripture, and parish life. These coordinated starts show how ordinary family schedules are quietly becoming part of the wider Church calendar.

Such a beautiful church stands in the middle of the street. People calmly walk by, as if they don't notice how big and calm it is.

The Feast of the 99 Venerable Fathers at Azogyres drew crowds to the remote monastic site in Crete yesterday, where the Ecumenical Patriarchate marked the memory of those early ascetics with services right at the caves where they once struggled. In the same week the Church of Greece held the first session of its School of Parents in the Diocese of Drama, led by Metropolitan Siatistis, focusing on practical ways families hand on the faith. From the Macedonian Orthodox Church came news of Metropolitan Georgij and Bible Society representatives visiting the Vranish parish and its youth group, while the Romanian Orthodox Church pointed out that half a billion Christians still lack any copy of Scripture, printed or digital. These quiet commemorations and local efforts keep showing how the calendar and the daily work of parishes stay linked.

The Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God was solemnly honored this week in the Vinnytsia diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, where clergy and faithful gathered for prayer before a copy of the wonderworking image. In the same spirit of Marian devotion, the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric held a hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Theotokos Perivleptos in Ohrid, drawing large crowds for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Meanwhile, the Romanian Orthodox Church marked the memory of the martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia along with confessors Bassian and Theophilus, reminding believers of steadfast witness across centuries. In Australia the Bulgarian Orthodox Church prepared for Father Velin Iliev’s final Liturgy at St Cyril and Methodius parish in Melbourne on October 25, closing a long chapter of local service. Each gathering, whether in Ukraine, North Macedonia, Romania or distant Melbourne, quietly shows how the same ancient feasts still anchor ordinary parish life.

Patriarchal Liturgy filled the courtyard of St. John of Rila Monastery in Bulgaria last weekend as Patriarch Neophyte led the service for the saint’s memory. Clergy from several dioceses concelebrated, with the choir drawing pilgrims from Sofia and the surrounding hills who brought baskets of fresh bread and fruit for blessing. The same Bulgarian Church saw Father Velin Iliev serve his final liturgy at the parish in Melbourne before retirement, a quiet farewell after years of steady pastoral work among the emigrants. Elsewhere the Serbian Orthodox Church gathered at Mileseva Monastery for the memorial Saturday, remembering the departed with koliva and prayers under the frescoes. In the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the feast of the 99 Venerable Fathers of Azogyres on Crete brought monks and locals to the old ascetic site for vespers at sunset. The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric held its Sunday Liturgy at the Church of the Mother of God Peribleptos in Ohrid, where Metropolitan Georgi later visited a nearby parish youth group. Metropolitan John of Varna spoke at a pan-Orthodox gathering about the lasting challenges from the Council of Crete. Simple acts of remembrance and local worship continue.

The white and orange church looks beautiful among the trees. Quiet and simple.

Metropolitan Georgi of the Macedonian Orthodox Church visited the Vranishta parish alongside representatives of the Macedonian Bible Society, meeting with local Orthodox youth groups to discuss Scripture engagement and outreach programs. In the same spirit, the Romanian Orthodox Church hosted an international theology symposium in Bucharest that explored practical ways to support Christian families and younger generations amid modern pressures. The Church of Greece marked World Mental Health Day through partnerships with the Hellenic Red Cross, offering workshops that help young people build inner strength rooted in faith. Meanwhile, the Serbian Orthodox Church issued a strong call for unity, reminding parishes to care for one another and keep the next generation connected to the Church. These coordinated efforts show a steady focus on bringing Scripture and community support directly to youth across different corners of the Orthodox world. May the Lord strengthen the young people and their pastors in Macedonia, Romania, Greece, and Serbia.

The Feast of the 99 Venerable Fathers at Azogyres, Crete, drew crowds to the very caves where these monks once struggled in prayer. The Church of Greece marked the day with services right at the ascetic site, while the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople held vespers in Chalcedon and liturgy nearby, connecting the ancient witness to present-day worship. In Romania, bishops approved a new sign-language dictionary to make the faith accessible for the deaf. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Vinnytsia diocese gathered to honor the Mother of God on the feast of her Braille-Pochaiv icon, showing quiet care for those with visual challenges. From the Serbian Church came a simple call at the monastery of Mileseva: keep unity and stand for one another. Each of these moments, from Crete’s hills to distant dioceses, shows the same faith quietly lived out. May the intercession of the 99 Fathers strengthen every community that keeps their memory today.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople marked the anniversary of a bishop’s ordination with Vespers in Chalcedon followed by Divine Liturgy in the historic church at Paşabahçe. In the same week the Church of Greece observed the nine-year anniversary of the election of Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Trikala, with a short video released showing the steady work of his diocese. The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric saw Metropolitan Georgi visit the Vranjska parish together with representatives of the Macedonian Bible Society and Orthodox Youth, while the Bulgarian Orthodox Church held a patriarchal Liturgy at the St John of Rila Monastery in German. Each gathering quietly underlined the continuity of episcopal service across different local churches. May the Lord grant strength and peace to the clergy and faithful in Constantinople, Trikala, Ohrid, and Sofia.

The church stands beautifully among the trees, and the road descends directly in front of it. All calm and clean in the sun.

Parents' school activities have begun this week in the Diocese of Rhodes under the Church of Greece, with local families gathering for workshops on faith formation and child education in Orthodox settings. In the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Sunday school programs at the Church of St. George the Victorious continue to draw families for weekly lessons rooted in the lives of the saints. The Romanian Orthodox Church marked a civic honor for Father Prof. George Remete, named Honorary Citizen of Alba Iulia for his decades of teaching theology and guiding young people. Meanwhile, the Orthodox Church in America held its St. Olga Clergy Wives Gathering during the recent Diocesan Assembly, focusing on practical support for families raising children in the faith. These moments show ordinary parishes quietly investing in the next generation. May readers hold the schools, teachers, and families of Rhodes, Bulgaria, Romania, and America in their prayers this week.

The Patriarchal Liturgy at St. John of Rila Monastery drew hundreds of faithful to the Bulgarian mountains this weekend. Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel presided, joined by clergy from several dioceses, while simple village families and city pilgrims prayed together under the clear autumn sky. In Greece, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Manis spoke plainly about falling birth rates at the Peloponnese Forum, urging practical steps to support young families instead of endless meetings. From Romania, bishops gathered in Bucharest for a theology symposium that looked at the real pressures on Christian households today, from long work hours to raising children in faith. Meanwhile the Macedonian Orthodox Church saw Metropolitan Georgij visit the Vranish parish and its youth group, where he encouraged ordinary teenagers to keep coming to services and Bible study. The Bulgarian event felt like one more quiet reminder that the old monasteries still pull people back to the basics.

The model of this large church with its blue domes and golden crosses is very beautifully done. I saw it and loved it immediately.

The Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God is being solemnly honored this week in parishes across Ukraine’s Vinnytsia diocese, with special services drawing families from surrounding villages to pray for healing and protection. In the same spirit of quiet devotion, the Macedonian Orthodox Church held Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Theotokos Perivleptos in Ohrid, where Metropolitan Georgi and youth workers spoke with local parishioners about Scripture. Meanwhile the Romanian Orthodox Church marked the memory of the Holy Hierarch Theophanes the Confessor and the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council with patriarchal Liturgy at the St. John of Rila Monastery in the Bulgarian Church. The Orthodox Church in America gathered clergy wives for reflection at its diocesan assembly in honor of St. Olga. Each of these moments shows the Mother of God quietly gathering her people in ordinary parishes and distant monasteries alike.

Today after the service a large crowd came out onto the street, confetti and decorations everywhere. The holiday turned out to be very lively.

The church is quiet and light. The ceiling is all painted, you look up - and it seems as if you can stand all the time.

The new church with its two golden domes and tall cross really stands out against the clear sky. I like how solid and peaceful it looks.