Bulgarian teachers gathered in Sofia this weekend for intensive Sunday school training focused on faith formation for children. The sessions emphasized practical ways to teach the lives of saints and basic Orthodox doctrine through age-appropriate activities. At the same time, the Church of Greece reported strong attendance at the first parent meeting of the year at Evangelistria Piraeus, where families discussed supporting their kids’ spiritual growth at home. In the Romanian Orthodox Church, pilgrims in Iasi shared moving testimonies about how St. Paraskeva shaped their family traditions across generations. The Orthodox Church in America highlighted reflections from counselors at St. Eugene’s Camp, noting how summer programs continue to form lasting bonds with the faith among young participants. These gatherings show a steady focus on handing on the tradition one classroom and one conversation at a time.

A church with golden domes is reflected in the water and a figure stands in front. I took this photo yesterday, it looks peaceful.

The church stands still behind the stone wall, with the large golden cross on top. It's beautiful how the sun illuminates it all.

The church stands among greenery, the domes are clearly visible. The photo turned out calm and bright.

Here is a quiet village among fields and trees. There is a small lake ahead, the water is calm.

Now, in the midst of the iconostasis of the house, it was evening, placing a fresh flower in front of the icon of the Mother of God and lighting a single candle. Potato sednav together with the Trinity from Vidat and momcheto and let’s say evening prayer, what second day. Mi beshe peacefully, simply, as required.

Yesterday after the service, Giannis and I went to water the flowers in the church yard. The basils have been in full bloom this summer and are smelling up the whole yard. I also put some fertilizer that I had brought from home, tomorrow I will come back to tidy up the dry branches.

The old stone church stands quietly under the cloudy sky. The ruins are still beautiful in their own way.

This morning I lit a candle for the repose of Nina, my friend from the factory days. She and I went to church together for twenty years, sharing our joys and our troubles. It was a good friendship, simple and true.