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A prayer service was held at the Abode of Healing to declare the Vow of Sobrietytranslated

September 6, 2026 · 1 min read

Today, September 6, in the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross in the village of Romashki, the head of the diocesan department for combating drug addiction and alcoholism, Priest Alexander Semenov, co-served by Deacon Andrei Solovyov, performed a prayer service for the declaration of the Vow of Sobriety.

Two students who had gone through the path of healing decided to confirm their choice in the face of God. Brother Alexander, a long-time graduate and former employee of the Network of Anti-Drug Centers, and sister Ekaterina, a current graduate of the Torfyanoe women's rehabilitation center, took their vows of sobriety, asking the Lord for help in preserving the freedom they had been given.

After the service in the refectory of the Sapernoe rehabilitation center, a warm farewell to Catherine to the outside world took place. The event took place in a surprisingly sincere atmosphere. Sister Ekaterina with all the fullness of her heart thanked the clergy led by Father Sergius, as well as her elder sister, nun Nikolai, the mentor of the women’s community, who throughout her journey was a spiritual guide and support for her.

In response, Father Alexander blessed Katya for her future path in life, and the students and volunteers of the Healing Abode prepared poetic parting words for her. IN…

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

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💬 Comments (6) 🌐 Translate comments

Степан Лисенко

Добре, що Брат Олександр і сестра Катерина наважилися дати обітницю саме так, перед Богом. Особливо запам’яталося, як матушка Нікола була для Катерини справжньою опорою весь цей час. Нехай Господь допомагає їм обом триматися.

Тамара Иванова

Рада за Катю, что она сегодня вышла из «Торфяного» и сразу дала обет. Хорошо, что матушка Никола всё это время была ей опорой, как настоящая старшая сестра. Дай Бог, чтобы и дальше хватило сил держаться.

Grace King

I liked hearing how Sister Catherine thanked Mother Nikola specifically—she really sounded like the steady guide she needed through the whole program. Good on both Alexander and Catherine for making the vow right there in the church. Praying they keep leaning on that same help once they're back in everyday life.

Стоян Колев

Рад за Катя, че точно днес, след като завърши в „Торфяное“, е дала обета в храма. Особено ми хареса, че споменава монахиня Никола като своя опора през целия път – това се вижда колко е важно човек да има такъв близък наставник. Дай Боже и на двамата да устоят.

Rebecca Smith

I agree, mentioning Mother Nikola by name really stood out. She was the one who sat with the girls through those long evening talks after chores, and you could see how much that steady presence meant to Catherine. It’ll be interesting to hear in a year or two how they’re both managing once the daily structure of the centre isn’t there anymore.

Степан Тарасов

Хорошо, что Катя прямо в храме дала обет сразу после выпуска из «Торфяного». Видно, что матушка Никола для неё правда стала опорой, как в статье написали. Интересно, как у неё дальше сложится во внешнем мире, дай Бог, чтобы хватило сил.