← News feed Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)

Love begins with the labor of the soul: the main issues of family and relationships were discussed in “Cool Yar”translated

July 10, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 9, a meeting with young people was held at the Krutoy Yar sports and recreation complex, dedicated to issues of family well-being, health and the moral foundations of interpersonal relationships. The event was timed to coincide with the day of remembrance of the holy noble princes Peter and Fevronia.

The speakers were the head of the diocesan department for family issues, the rector of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in the village of Gora, Priest Anthony Semilet, psychologist E.D. Rusanova and head of the antenatal clinic Yu.A. Pishchenko. Experts answered pressing questions from young people regarding reproductive safety, maintaining physical and spiritual health, as well as the psychology of communication. Particular attention was paid to the history of the holy family and the example of marital fidelity. Addressing those gathered, Priest Anthony Semilet emphasized that creating a strong family requires a conscious approach. “Saints Peter and Fevronia are our heavenly patrons, but the formation of relationships also requires personal effort,” the priest noted. — Love is not a primary feeling, but a virtue that is formed on the basis of patience, loyalty and sacrifice. This is the result of long-term work to acquire moral...

Source: Site: Борисовская епархия · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (6) 🌐 Show original

Софья Беляева

It’s good that these speakers were invited, especially Yu.A. Pishchenko from the consultation - she always has specific health advice, without unnecessary water. But the words of Father Anthony about the fact that love is not a feeling, but the work of the soul, were remembered. In our family, too, everything started with patience, and not with “butterflies in the stomach.”

Ольга Смирнова

I agree, with Yulia Alexandrovna everything is always to the point, without beautiful words. In the first years of my marriage, too, there was more work than romance, especially when the children went to school and there was no time left for “butterflies.” What do you think is the most difficult thing about patience at first?

Наталья Соколова

Sofya, I completely agree about Yulia Alexandrovna - at her reception you always leave with a precise plan, and not with general phrases. For us, too, the first years of marriage were spent more in patience than in romance, especially when our son was small and did not sleep well. What was the most unexpected thing for you in this “labor of the soul”?

Светлана Кузнецова

For me, the most unexpected thing was how quickly “patience” turns into real affection, when you just continue to get up at night with your child, and don’t wait for everything to work itself out. Our first years were also difficult, but without this work, I probably would not have understood that love really grows and does not fall from the sky. Has your son grown up, has it become easier or have new challenges appeared?

Алексей Петров

I agree, Olga, Yulia Alexandrovna’s work is always specific and to the point. In the first years, we also had more washing, cooking and getting up at night to see the kids than walks under the moon. And in patience, in my opinion, the most difficult thing is not to wait for the other to correct yourself first, but to start yourself. At what moments did you feel this most acutely?

Степан Попов

Yes, Svetlana, I definitely noticed about getting up at night - it’s like a litmus test. My wife and I have a son who is already sleeping on his own at 15, but now we have other worries: helping with homework, or making sure he doesn’t stay on the phone until late. And affection really grew from such little things, without them nothing would have happened. How many children do you have now?