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Prayer by Agreement, corso Giovanni XXIII 36, Rivabella (2026)

19/07/2025

LOVE IS MEASURED BY SACRIFICE

“There’s no such thing as Orthodox love, or Catholic love, or Lutheran love… Let me tell you this:
LOVE IS SACRIFICE.

If you’re sacrificing — you’re loving. The more you sacrifice, the more you love.
If you’re not sacrificing but only receiving — then you don’t love.

The attitude of ‘give me, give me, give me’ — that’s not love.
The attitude of ‘here, take, take, take’ — that’s love.

If all you do is take and want to take more — that’s passion. An insatiable passion.
But if you give and are willing to give more — that’s love.
It’s a very simple definition.

Love is measured by sacrifice.
You might sacrifice money, time, health, nerves, your mind, a finger, a second finger, a third, an arm, an arm to the elbow, to the shoulder, a leg, another leg, your head, your heart — that’s love.

But if you can’t even give five rubles — then what kind of love is that?
If you sacrifice — it’s love.
If you don’t — it’s not.
That’s how you should test your family relationships.”

— Protopriest Andrey Tkachev

19/07/2025

A TRUE STORY
“I’m a sorcerer, and I need Communion…”

Once, a remarkable incident happened to Father Vladimir (Protopriest Vladimir Goryunov).
A man walked into the church and approached the priest with an unusual request:
“I’m a sorcerer, and I need to confess and receive Communion.”

A short conversation followed, during which Father Vladimir explained that confession would be possible — but only if the man was truly repentant. As for Holy Communion, it would have to wait.
There are canonical rules that not only prohibit Communion for sorcerers but also for those who have even consulted them, sometimes for years.

The priest told him that a period of time was necessary — to affirm that his repentance was sincere.

But the man insisted: “I see Communion as a recharge of higher energy,” and went on to claim that “priests are just like sorcerers — only in church robes.”

When all arguments had been exhausted, Father Vladimir finally said:
“Come here, my child.”
He gently lowered the man’s head with his left hand, and with his right hand made the sign of the Cross over him — the usual priestly blessing.

What happened next took the priest completely by surprise. “I only blessed him!” he later recounted.

But immediately, the sorcerer’s body was thrown backward, his spine arched unnaturally, and he spun 360 degrees. Then he was tossed around the church, slammed against the walls, and finally flung out the door like a cork.

A woman standing nearby pressed herself into the wall, terrified by what she witnessed.

The sorcerer never returned.
In this miraculous way, the Lord showed the utter powerlessness of demonic forces in the face of God’s grace.

18/07/2025

QUOTE OF THE DAY
My dear soul!
I sincerely ask you:
Do not quarrel, do not judge,
do not offend — and be kind to those near you. Speak more kind, gentle words.
Respect others' opinions, don’t argue.
Someone out there may be struggling, on the brink of collapse...
Don’t rush to shout at them — smile, greet them warmly, be tender, loving.

Help your neighbor through hardship or sorrow. Offer your shoulder, a handkerchief, a little icon — don’t be afraid.
My dear soul! Brother and sister in Christ! Be merciful! Carry light and joy!

— Schema-Archimandrite Iliy (Nozdrin) (1932–2025)

18/07/2025

WHY IS THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “ECONOMISSA” CONNECTED TO SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ATHOS?

The composition of this icon traces directly back to a Greek engraving published in Vienna in the mid-18th century. That engraving reproduces the miraculous image of the Mother of God kept in the Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos.

This icon was created in memory of the Virgin Mary’s miraculous appearance to Saint Athanasius of Athos, founder of the Lavra. In despair over a famine that struck the monastery, Athanasius was prepared to leave for another monastic community. But the Mother of God appeared to him, assuring him of her help and instructing him to strike the ground with his staff at a deserted spot — from which a spring miraculously burst forth. That spring later became known as the Hagiasma (Holy Spring) of Saint Athanasius.

A copy of the miracle-working icon was made in 1578, and is still preserved at the Lavra. In the center upper section of the icon is the Theotokos enthroned with the Christ Child, flanked by Athanasius of Athos and Athanasius of the Caves (founder of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, who had also spent time on Mount Athos).

On either side, the icon includes 10 narrative scenes from the life of Saint Athanasius of Athos, plus additional panels depicting the Fiery Ascent of the Prophet Elijah and the Three Holy Hierarchs — Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom — not found in the original engraving. At the bottom is a detailed view of the Great Lavra.

Today, only one known Russian icon of “Economissa” exists in collections — based on a different version of the same Greek engraving. In that version, Michael of Synada replaces Athanasius of the Caves.

The painting style blends late 18th-century Russian baroque influences with elements of early 19th-century Athonite iconography. This hybrid suggests the icon was created by a Russian iconographer living on Mount Athos. The use of fruitwood and its specific treatment further support this Athonite origin.

Description of the narrative scenes (in two columns):

The Fiery Ascent of the Prophet Elijah

Athanasius heals a man with dropsy

Athanasius heals Monk Anthony’s leg

Athanasius turns saltwater into drinking water through prayer

The Mother of God appears to Athanasius, urging him to restore communal life at the monastery

The Mother of God brings forth a spring from the rock

The Three Holy Hierarchs

Athanasius expels demons from the monastery

Athanasius converts builders into monks

Athanasius saves fellow travelers from shipwreck

Healing of a possessed man at Athanasius’s tomb

The Dormition (peaceful death) of Athanasius

In the photo: Icon of the Mother of God “Economissa”, late 18th – early 19th century, Athos, Russian master, 73.0 × 52.7 cm, wood, gesso, tempera. From the collection of A. I. Poliychuk

17/07/2025

QUOTE OF THE DAY
The first and most important lesson we must learn today from the tragedy of a century ago is this: no promise of a happy life, no hope for help from outside — supposedly more educated and advanced people — should ever seduce our people.

We must remember the tragedy of the past. We must develop an immunity to any call to achieve human happiness by destroying what we have.
Rarely did those who called for the destruction of the people’s life destroy their own, or give up their own well-being.

And yet with what fury they proposed this path to the entire nation! And people believed this lie. The crowning horror of their departure from the most sacred and precious things they had was the brutal ex*****on of the Tsar’s family — innocent people who had broken no law.

But what kind of law could possibly justify the killing of the Tsar and his entire family for the sake of a so-called happy future?
We know now that nothing came of it. And having learned this bitter lesson, we must cultivate a deep rejection of any idea or leader who calls us to dismantle our national way of life, our traditions, and our faith in pursuit of some vague “bright future.”

Today, gathered here in great number, we remembered the tragedy of the Ipatiev House. We raised prayers to the Lord, we prayed to the Passion-Bearer Emperor Nicholas and those who suffered with him, asking them to pray in heaven for our earthly homeland, for our people — that the Orthodox faith may be strengthened in every new generation of Russians; that fidelity to God and love for the Fatherland may guide our youth and those who follow them; and that such tragedies may never again befall our land.

May the Lord preserve our Russian land, the Russian people — who today live in different states with different names, and even bear different names — yet remain the same people who emerged from the baptismal font of Kyiv and, having endured the most difficult historical trials, have preserved the Orthodox faith to this day.

And may God’s blessing remain over our people, our Fatherland, and our martyred Russian Orthodox Church.
May the prayers of the new martyrs and confessors of the Russian Church bring transformation to our nation — without upheaval or bloodshed, but founded firmly on faith and the hope that God is with us!
May the Lord protect us all by the prayers of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers and all the New Martyrs! Amen.

— Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia

17/07/2025

6 FACTS ABOUT ANDREY RUBLEV — THE FIRST RUSSIAN ARTIST CANONIZED AS A SAINT
July 17 marks the feast day of Venerable Andrey Rublev. What do we know about the creator of the iconic “Trinity” — a name forever woven into the fabric of ancient Russian culture?

HE LEFT NO PERSONAL RECORDS
There is no definitive information about Andrey Rublev’s origins. He may have come from Radonezh, Pskov, or Tver. His name before taking monastic vows is also unknown, though it likely began with “A,” following the naming customs of the time. The first recorded mention of him is tied to the painting of the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin, where his name appears last among the iconographers — indicating he was the youngest.

HE PAINTED THE “TRINITY” IN HONOR OF ST. SERGIUS OF RADONEZH
According to chronicles, the famous “Trinity” icon was commissioned by Nikon, the beloved disciple of Sergius of Radonezh, “in memory and praise of the venerable Sergius.” This icon embodies Sergius’s spiritual testament: “By contemplating the Holy Trinity, overcome the hateful discord of this world.” It was a time when Russia suffered under Tatar rule, cities and churches were pillaged, and people were taken captive or killed. Sergius called for unity and love — a call that Rublev fulfilled through his art.

HE MAY HAVE BEEN A DISCIPLE OF THEOPHANES THE GREEK
Among Rublev’s works is a detailed depiction of a Greek sea vessel. The level of accuracy suggests either firsthand knowledge or instruction from someone well-versed in Byzantine maritime imagery. This supports the theory that Rublev was a student of the renowned Greek-Byzantine iconographer, Theophanes the Greek.

HE PAINTED THE KINDEST “LAST JUDGMENT”
Rublev created the most merciful version of the “Last Judgment” fresco, which can be seen in the Dormition Cathedral in Vladimir. Unlike the terrifying medieval portrayals of Hell, Rublev’s vision is serene and filled with grace. To look upon it was to feel hope — saints, the Virgin Mary, and angels not as stern accusers but as intercessors before God.

“The Last Judgment in azure! Archangels sound their trumpets gently. Apostles gaze softly. The Virgin humbly kneels before Christ. Angels tenderly roll up the heavens like a scroll. David and Isaiah look upon mankind with care…”

HE WAS VENERATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS DEATH
Rublev was locally venerated soon after his death in the 15th century — especially in the Trinity-Sergius and Andronikov Monasteries where he lived.
Even during Soviet times, when religion was persecuted, his name remained a powerful symbol of Old Russian art and culture. In 1960, UNESCO celebrated the 600th anniversary of his birth with a worldwide tribute.

HE WAS OFFICIALLY CANONIZED IN 1988
Rublev was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church at the millennium celebration of the Christianization of Rus' in 1988 — centuries after his death, but with timeless significance.

In the photo: the vaults of the Annunciation Cathedral, Moscow Kremlin

16/07/2025

PARABLE OF THE DAY
“You saved my marriage”

One day, a 50-year-old man came to a hermit seeking advice. He wanted to divorce his wife.
Seeing him, the elder asked why.
The man replied, “I want to separate from my wife because I can’t stand her anymore.”
The elder asked, “And how do you address her?”
“By her name,” the man replied.
“That’s the problem,” said the elder. “You should call her ‘my dear’ or ‘my love.’”
The man protested, “But I’m 50 years old — what love are you talking about?”
The elder insisted, “Do as I said, and you’ll see what happens.”

The man followed the advice for two months. Then he returned to the elder, fell at his feet, and said, “You saved me and my family. My wife has changed — she’s become better.”

The elder replied, “It’s not she who changed — it’s you who changed.”

16/07/2025

QUOTE OF THE DAY
For God's sake, live with love!
— Saint Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Wonderworker (1507–1569)

In the photo: Monument to Saint Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, in front of the Cathedral of Igor of Chernigov, Peredelkino, Moscow

15/07/2025

STORY OF THE DAY
“The road will be hard, but full of light”

— Lucy, I think I just ran over a cat... I croaked into the phone.
— Lucy, I think I just hit a cat… I whispered hoarsely.
— So what? she replied calmly.
— What do you mean “so what”?! What do I do now?
— Well, for starters, get out of the car and see if it’s even alive.

I swallowed hard. The yard looked empty. The air was thick, like before a storm, and it smelled of fear, metal, and burnt rubber. I carefully opened the door and leaned out without stepping outside. A small gray bundle, trembling and wide-eyed, lay right under the front wheel. Alive.

— She’s breathing, Lucy… She’s alive. What now?
— Take her to the clinic. You were headed that way anyway. Just hurry, okay?

I gently pulled the cat from under the car. She didn’t resist—just barely breathed. I laid her in an old shoebox that had been rolling around on the floor and raced off, ignoring the speedometer.

Usually the clinic’s a half-hour away. But not that day. That day wasn’t like the others. It felt like life itself had decided to give me a test.

There was already an old mutt in the trunk, a dog my neighbors from the summer house asked me to take to the same clinic. They said it’d be kinder to put her down than let her suffer. I agreed without much thought.

Now there was a cat to go with the dog.

I sped down the highway, dazed. My thoughts raced: What is this day? What kind of absurdity is this?

There was no line at the ER. I burst in with the box in my hands like it was a maternity emergency. A vet immediately took the cat for examination.

— How is she? What’s wrong? I paced in the hallway.
— We need an X-ray, nodded the assistant. Nothing critical at first glance, but we’ll see.

Fifteen minutes felt like an eternity. I paced back and forth, staring at the walls, the ceiling, posters of purebred cats and dogs. Guilt twisted in my gut. I could have been more careful. I could have driven slower. I could have… I was guilty.

Finally, the vet came out.
— She has a fracture. But she’ll live. The surgery is simple. If you agree, we can do it today. Will you leave her with us?

I nodded. And then remembered the dog. I rushed back to the car. Silence. Not a sound. The trunk creaked open. Eyes stared at me from the dark. She was alive.

— I’m sorry… We’ll figure this out, I whispered.

Back in the clinic, I grabbed another vet.
— There’s also a dog. Hit by a car. They asked to put her down. Her hind legs…

She didn’t say a word. Just pulled on a coat over her scrubs and came with me. We opened the trunk. She looked inside, then turned to me with a piercing stare:
— Are you out of your mind? Who said she needs to be put down? Sure, her legs are gone. But she can live. We’ve brought back worse cases. Bring her in.

I nodded again. No arguments. The vet said, she’ll live. That was enough.

That evening I burst into the house. Lucy turned from the stove, surprised.
— What happened to you, Slava?

I walked silently to the room, pulled out an old book, and from between its pages took out money we’d saved. The dream. The motorcycle. It didn’t matter anymore.

— Slava?! What’s going on?
— They’re going to live! I shouted. Both of them!
— Who? Have you lost your mind?
— I’ll explain later!

We took them in. Named the cat Molly. The dog — Raya. We went through it all: IV drips, sleepless nights, rehab.

Lucy just said: If they’re with us, we’ll manage.

And she did. She gently fed Molly, covered Raya with a blanket. We cried together when Molly took her first steps. Laughed when Raya tore through the yard in her doggy wheelchair.

Five years flew by. They’re not pets. They’re family.

Today I came home. It smelled like baking. Lucy hugged me from behind — tight. And trembled.

— What’s wrong? I turned around.
— We’re going to have a baby... she whispered, placing her hand on her belly.

I didn’t understand at first. Then… I did.

I’m forty. She’s thirty-seven. We’d been trying for a long time. Had almost given up. Almost. But we’ll have children. Two — by nature. One — by grace. For a kind heart. For patience.

The road will be hard, but full of light.

Molly curled up by a plush bunny on the windowsill. Raya, now old, hobbled over and pressed her muzzle against my leg with a sigh.

I didn’t believe then. Now — I do.
Because once, we said “yes” to life.
And life said “yes” to us.

Author: Diary of a Multi-Cat Father

15/07/2025

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Love sinners, but hate their deeds, and do not despise them for their shortcomings, lest you yourself be tempted by the same things in which they were tempted.
— St. Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh (6th–7th century)

25/06/2025

QUOTE OF THE DAY
If you are troubled by the fact that we honor the dust of the martyrs’ bodies out of love for God and in recognition of their steadfastness, then ask those who have received healing through the relics, and learn through what sufferings they bring forth cures.
Then you will not only cease to mock what is done, but surely you yourself will strive to partake in it.

Prayer by Agreement

19/07/2025

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