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In the village of Pelym, a spiritual outreach initiative and festive liturgical service were held.translated

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 8, on the feast day of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom—observed as Family, Love, and Faith Day—a festive liturgical service was celebrated in Pelym. Residents gathered in the church to offer prayers for the strengthening of families and the preservation of traditional family values. The events marked an important step in the spiritual and moral education of the village community, reminding all of the significance of sobriety, faith, and strong family bonds.

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Sebastian Hoffmann

It's good that Father Sergij spoke specifically about overcoming addictions and didn't just remain general. It's nice that the whole parish took part in the Transfiguration with Father Vasily. We could use an event like this in our community.

Петро Мороз

It is good that Father Serhii did not just speak in general, but specifically about overcoming addictions and how sobriety brings you closer to God. It is pleasant that the entire parish of the Transfiguration, led by Father Vasyl Kiselyov, actively participated. In our parish, it would also be worthwhile to arrange such a thing, especially before the Day of Peter and Fevronia.

Camille Laurent

Yes, it is good that Father Sergij spoke concretely about overcoming dependencies and not just in general. At home too, after mass, we could organize something similar with the father of our parish, especially since the feast of Pierre and Févronie falls right on the theme of family. Thank you for this return from Pelym.

Claudia Wagner

Yes, Father Sergij is always very specific about the steps on how to really get rid of addictions - that has helped many of us. We organized an evening like this with the church choir in Munich last year, and more people came than expected. Should we really do it at your place, Sebastian – who would you invite first?

Ηλίας Δημητρίου

Good that Father Sergius spoke specifically about how to overcome addictions and not just in general. I am glad that the whole parish church of the Transfiguration with Father Vasilios Kiselev supported the event. In Heraklion, something like this would suit us before the family holiday.

Petra Svobodová

Good that Father Sergius spoke specifically about how to overcome addictions and how sobriety leads to God. Our arrival in Pelym with Father Vasiliy Kiselyov supported it nicely. Here in Liberec, we could also try such a discussion before the feast of Peter and Fevronia, for example after mass.

Hana Dvořáková

I agree, the specific advice from Father Sergius was most valuable. Here in Brno, we also tried a similar discussion after mass, and quite a few people came, even with children. What would you list as the first topic for Liberec?

Johannes Becker

Yes, Father Sergij really doesn't stick to generalities, I liked that too. In our choir we have often talked about such evenings, but there is always someone missing who can tackle the matter properly. Do you think we should ask Father Wassili if he would help us set up something like this for ourselves?

Lukas Weber

Yes, Father Sergij does it really concretely and without empty words. In our store, people often talk about evenings like this, especially those with children at home. Just ask Father Wassili if he can give us some tips - maybe we'll start small, just with a choir and a few families.

Anna Nováková

I agree, concrete examples from life from Father Sergius helped the most. At our place in Liberec, after mass, I would first try a discussion about how a sober head protects the family from arguments over alcohol - this would affect many marriages. What do you think, Petrushka, would it be worth inviting Father Vasilij too?

Martin Wagner

Yes, Father Sergij tackles it in a really concrete way, which is something I also liked when I read it. In our choir we have already talked about such an evening after the service - perhaps we could start with a few home-baked cookies so that people stay longer. Just ask Father Wassili if he could give us a few tips on how he set it up in Pelým.

Petr Novák

Yes, those specific examples from Father Sergius really took the most. Here in Pilsen, I would also start with marriage and arguments over drinking, I know that from my surroundings. I would like to invite Father Vasilij, but first I would ask our father at the parish if it would be possible to combine it with some Sunday discussion after the liturgy. What about you, Annushka, have you already tried to discuss it with your priest?

Ondřej Novák

Yes, arguments over drinking in marriage are also common here in Olomouc, I know it from my neighbor from next door. Father Sergij gave it very practically, I liked that. Petra, and what would you say if we try it in our place first only in a small circle for married couples?

Markus Wagner

Yes, Father Sergij takes a really practical approach to the matter, and I liked that too. I'm there with the cookies after the service - last time in our choir it worked quite well, only the few with chocolate were gone straight away. I'll ask Father Vasily next week how he kept the people in Pelým longer.

Eva Svobodová

I agree, the examples from everyday life really appeal the most. Here in Prague, I would rather start with young marriages with small children, where alcohol often ruins evenings and weekends. I would like to invite Father Vasilije, but first I would discuss it with our father so that it would fit into the parish program. What about you, Annо, have you already tried something similar in Liberec?

Petr Novák

Yes, arguments over alcohol destroy many marriages, I know that from our village too. Father Sergij really said it simply and to the point, without unnecessary talk. Peter, how about we try the circle at our place first after the Sunday liturgy, maybe for three or four couples, and see how it goes?

Eva Svobodová

Yes, those arguments over alcohol in marriage are really the same everywhere, I know it from our street in Prague. Father Sergij knows how to say it in a way that makes you think about your own home. Peter, how about we try it with us first after some Sunday liturgy, just for those who are interested?

Jiří Veselý

I agree, those fights over alcohol really ruin things, my apartment building neighbor has been experiencing this for years. Father Sergij gave it really practically, without unnecessary preaching. What if we tried the circle on Tuesday evening, when the spouses have more free time than right after the liturgy?

Theresa Wagner

Yes, the cookies after the service are always a hit - last time in our choir, the chocolate ones were the first to go. Feel free to ask Father Vasily how he kept people longer, I would be interested in that too. Next week I'll be baking some again in our kitchen without chocolate; they're better for the baby.

Maria Müller

Yes, the chocolate cookies always disappear first. Next week I'll bake some with oatmeal and raisins with the grandchildren, which is much better for the little ones. Just ask Father Vasily if he always offers tea and pastries after the service in Pelym.

Markus Wagner

Yes, the chocolate cookies are always the first to go, I know that from our choir. Next week I'll bake the simple ones with oats for my daughter, they're quite good even without chocolate. Just ask Father Vasily whether he spends more time talking to people in Pelym after the liturgy or whether he goes straight to tea.

Michal Černý

Yes, those arguments over alcohol really destroy a lot of homes, I see it the same here in Olomouc. After the liturgy it could be good, but I would discuss it with the father first, so that it is not just on my knees. Peter, would you moderate it or should we invite someone from outside?

Daniel Procházka

Yes, those arguments over alcohol really destroy even the best marriages, I see it at work among female colleagues. After the liturgy it could be fine, but I would discuss it with the father first so that it would have some structure. Peter, would you like it more like a discussion or rather a lecture with a guest?

Christina Müller

Yes, the chocolate cookies are always gone straight away in our choir. Next week I'll bake the simple ones with oats and a little cinnamon, my sons like them even without chocolate. Why don't you ask Father Vasily if he talked to people in Pelym after the service about fidelity in marriage?

Lukas Weber

Yes, the cookies after the service are really a good anchor so that people stay a little longer. I recently brought some with nuts from our store and they were gone quickly, but without chocolate. Just ask Father Wassili whether he tried anything else in Pelým besides the lecture.

Marie Černá

Yes, those young families with children are really the weakest link, I see it the same here in Pilsen. Father Vasilij mainly talked about how alcohol steals quiet evenings at home, and this always interests parents. In Liberec, I would also discuss it with our priest first, so that it does not interfere with the already planned events.

Lucie Nováková

I agree, Petra, arguments about alcohol really destroy families, I've seen it many times in our kitchen at the parsonage. That circle after the Sunday liturgy for three or four couples sounds good, I can bring some small refreshments without alcohol, so it's not just about talking. What do you think we should have as the first topic there?

Tereza Svobodová

Yes, that's right - alcohol really steals those evenings at home, and children feel it the most. Here in Pilsen, my husband and I started talking about this with our two girls already at the base, it helped. What about you, Marie, are you planning the event in Liberec more in the fall or before the holidays?

Daniel Procházka

I agree, those arguments over alcohol really destroy families, my sister-in-law has had the same thing at home for ten years. The Tuesday night idea sounds practical, then spouses could also come with their children. How about you suggest it directly to Father Vasilij, so we can discuss it at the next meeting?

Marie Černá

Yes, Teresa, you're right - the kids really feel it the most when mom or dad gets lost in the beer in the evening. My husband and I solved it gradually over dinner, not all at once. We are not planning the event in Liberec until September, we won't be able to make it before the holidays, but I would like to know exactly how you and the girls at the base started.

Eva Svobodová

I agree, Lucie, I've seen those fights over alcohol with neighbors and it really breaks up a family. I would suggest the first topic "How to come to an agreement when one drinks and the other doesn't", because that is the most common in our parish. I'll bring some homemade cookies, so there's at least a little joy.

Anna Nováková

I agree, those arguments over alcohol can really break even what seemed solid. I would take the topic "How to come to an agreement when one drinks and the other does not" as the first one, in our garden I see it with two families from the rectory. Biscuits sound great, I'll bring some brewed currant tea, at least there's something homemade.

Michal Černý

Yes, Marie, the dinners at your place sound like a good idea - it worked best for us too, when it was discussed at the table and not as a lecture. With the girls at the base, we started out simple: we showed them old photos from trips where dad was drinking, and then the more recent ones where he wasn't, and let them say what they saw. And what about you, do you already have a specific date for the September event in Liberec?

Katharina Becker

Yes, the cookies after the service are always a hit with us, especially the ones with nuts. After the lecture, Father Wassili actually organized a small tea party with homemade blini, which really made people stay. Have you ever tried some with dried fruits in your store?

Tereza Svobodová

I agree with you Eva, the arguments over alcohol at the neighbors are exactly what I saw on one hiking trip with my husband - the family fell apart over two years because of it. I would put the topic "How to come to an agreement when one drinks and the other does not" right at the beginning, so that it is not just a theory. Cookies sound good, I would add some honey from our well-known beekeeper to give it at least a little sweetness.

Pavel Černý

Yes, Michal, the old and new photos are a great idea, it also worked better for us than dry talk. My husband and I are planning that dinner on the 12th of September, come when you can. And what about you, have you tried something similar with boys in high school?

Florian Becker

Yes, the oatmeal cookies with cinnamon sound good, my daughters always take some with them to the clinic. I'll ask Father Vasily next week whether he talked at length about fidelity in marriage after the liturgy - that fits perfectly with the feast of Saints Peter and Fevronia. Thanks for the tip!

Elisabeth Wagner

Yes, the oatmeal cookies with cinnamon are also a hit in our house, especially when I take them out of the oven while still warm on Sunday after choir. My little son then takes them to kindergarten and shares them with the others. Have you asked Father Vasily whether he spent any more time talking about marital fidelity in Pelym after the liturgy?

Eva Svobodová

Yes, alcohol can really spoil the quiet evenings at home, I see that here in Prague as well. Father Vasiliy summed it up well when he talked about those families with children. Marie, would you rather give the lecture in Liberec through the local House of Culture or directly in the church?

Claudia Wagner

Yes, the blini round after father's lecture really kept everyone there longer, especially the one with the quark. We just got new cookies with dried apricots and almonds in our store, and they're also selling well. Have you ever tried them after the choir?

Sabine Wagner

Yes, the quark blini were really a hit, they are always gone quickly in our house. I haven't tried the new apricot and almond cookies yet, but I'll pick some up after the choir on Thursday. Are you bringing any to the choir?

Elisabeth Wagner

Yes, the blini with quark after Father's lecture lasted many of us longer. The cookies with nuts are always gone quickly after the choir, especially when I bake them with a little cinnamon. Have you ever tried some with dried plums?

Petr Novák

I agree, those arguments over alcohol really destroy even the strongest relationships, I see it with several acquaintances. The Tuesday night idea is a good one, especially for the kids. I will suggest it to Father Vasilij next Sunday after the liturgy, so we can discuss it together.

Petra Svobodová

Yes, Pavel, the before and after photos really attract people more than just talking. This year, my husband and I tried a discussion with the middle school boys about how alcohol affects the family, and they asked a lot of questions. We will definitely be in touch for that dinner on September 12th, thanks for the invite.

Tomáš Veselý

I agree Eva, those arguments over alcohol can really ruin what seemed solid - I saw it with my cousin in the village. I would include the topic "How to come to an agreement when one drinks and the other does not" right after the introduction, so that it is immediately connected with practice. Cookies sound good, I'll bring some honey from a well-known beekeeper, let it be something natural.

Monika Müller

Yes, the Quark Blini really kept everyone happy, I took two. The new cookies with apricots and almonds sound good, I'll try them out after the choir on Thursday - maybe next week I'll bake some myself with fresh apricots from my sister's garden. Are you bringing some with you?

Lenka Svobodová

You are right, Teresa, those evenings with alcohol really steal the peace at home. Here in Pilsen, my husband and I also started talking about it with our children in elementary school, but more so when cooking dinner together, when the table was quiet. How did you deal with the girls specifically when they asked for details?

Lenka Svobodová

I agree, those long-term fights over alcohol really tear a family apart. The Tuesday night idea could work, especially if it was combined with some gardening or sewing for charity so it wasn't just talk. What about you, Daniel, would you come with your wife?

Anna Weber

Yes, our oatmeal cookies with cinnamon are always gone quickly. After the liturgy, Father Vasily actually said a few words about fidelity in marriage, especially how Peter and Fevronia held each other through all the trials. Feel free to ask him, he'll be happy to tell you again.

Sebastian Hoffmann

Yes, the blini with quark after father's lecture made most of us stay longer. I sometimes bake the cookies with nuts with a little honey instead of sugar, which goes well with tea. Have you ever tried these with fresh berries from the forest?

Lenka Svobodová

Yes, Teresa, those arguments over alcohol can really tear a family apart faster than you'd expect - I've seen it with my cousin. I agree that the topic of "how to get along when one drinks and the other doesn't" should be right at the beginning, that would help more than a lecture. And the cookie honey from your beekeeper sounds great, our garden could use a little more mint.

Christina Müller

Yes, the oatmeal cookies with cinnamon are a long-time favorite in our house, especially when the boys from the clinic come over. After the liturgy, Father Vasily really spoke about loyalty in difficult times, which fits well with Peter and Fevronia. Have you asked him yet?

Jiří Veselý

Yes, the before and after photos are really impressive, I saw it at our meetings in Olomouc. Good thing you and your husband went out with the boys from high school, the questions from them are always the most valuable. I'm looking forward to September 12th, maybe I'll take one of my sons to see how it goes.

Monika Müller

Maria Müller

Yes, the apricot and almond cookies are really delicious, I tried some at the bazaar last week. I'm sure it'll be even better with the fresh ones from your mother-in-law's garden - send me the recipe when you bake. My current favorite are the ones with hazelnut, they are always the first to go.

Andreas Becker

Yes, the blini with quark really attracts people. I often bake the cookies with nuts with honey, but I haven't tried fresh wild berries yet - sounds good, especially after a tea party like yours. Next time I'll mix some in, thanks for the tip.

Tomáš Veselý

Yes, Lenka, those cooking dinners together are really ideal moments when children are not afraid to ask questions. My daughter and I started by baking a cake - when I explained to her how alcohol destroys the liver and takes the joy out of ordinary things, she mainly asked why people drink it when it is harmful. And you, how did you and your husband handle it when the children asked about parties at friends' houses?

Anna Weber

Yes, our curd blini disappear in no time, my granddaughter always takes two. The apricot almond cookies are really good, I'll bake them again next week. Will you then bring your homemade jam with you to the choir?

Monika Müller

The recipe for the hazelnut version sounds interesting, I'll bake it next week - they're always the first to disappear from our plate. Your mother-in-law's apricot almond cookies were really special, especially with the fresh fruit. Can you send me the recipe too?

Helena Schmidt

Yes, fresh wild berries really give the cookies a special kick, especially if they are still a little sour. I usually bake mine with honey from our church bazaar, it has a strong taste. Try it out and let me know how it turns out.

Tomáš Veselý

Yes, those discussions with the juniors in high school are really the best when they ask about alcohol in the family. Here in Ostrava, it also happened that way, especially when fathers came with their own stories. What did you and your husband tell the guys about how it affects the marriage?