Keep up to date with the latest news for our parish using the free facebook news feed below. It’s automatically generated from the posts on our facebook page so if you find any of them interesting click into them to read in more detail.
If you do have facebook dont forget to click the logo to the right of the screen and like or follow our page.
Our facebook page is updated and monitored by the clergy team and can therefore be used as an additional method of communicating directly with us.
For articles written by Father Mark click here or for news and updates from our diocese please click here
Sadly, vision, dedication, great achievement and selfless hard work mean nothing to either the Phanar or the Church of Cyprus. Politics, money, power and influence are the only currency that counts. Orthodoxy is nowhere to be seen! God bless Bishop Tykhikos. Axios! Axios! Axios!
Media report Metropolitan Tychikos's achievements in Paphos ministry
spzh.eu
In two years of episcopacy, the income of the Metropolis has more than doubled, new educational centers have been established, and more than 800 icons have been restored.
Athonites who served with Dumenko should be excommunicated, cell monks write
orthochristian.com
In their new statement, the cell monks emphasize that Dumenko and his group are schismatics, outside the Church, and thus it violates the canons of the Church and the ethos of Mt. Athos to celebrate w...
New Archbishop of Sinai ordained in Jerusalem
spzh.eu
Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem ordained the new abbot of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai.
Venerable Father Joseph the Hagiorite, pray to God for us!
On Patience and Endurance (Letter 40) - Elder Joseph the Hesychast
m.youtube.com
“Now you become angry and fainthearted and grieved, thinking that the heavenly Father is slow in answering. But I tell you that this will also happen as you ...
Right-believing Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich of Novgorod
www.oca.org
The holy right-believing Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich of Novgorod, the Wonderworker, was the eldest son of Great Prince Yaroslav the Wise, and was born in the year 1020. At age fourteen, his father mad...
Today is one of the feasts of St Anna of Novgorod, celebrated today with her son, the Right-Believing Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich.![]()
![]()
Right-Believing Princess Anna of Novgorod
orthochristian.com
She was a true daughter of Scandinavia of the era of the Vikings and so from her earliest days, she enjoyed great freedom, took part in the public life of her homeland, traveled, received guests, and ...
17 OCTOBER - FUNDRAISING UPDATE: Dear brothers and sisters, though we still have a long way to go, it’s wonderful that over the last month, £3,000 has been raised through gofundme donations, with more donations by bank-transfer and using the electronic pay-plate. ![]()
![]()
Heartfelt thanks to all who have donated, and please remember that when we say that every pound brings us closer to making our vision a reality, it’s not poetic, creative language, but a fact! At some point, the very last pound will bring us to our goal.![]()
![]()
Our starosta and youth-team have been continually busy in the background, and we ask not only our parishioners, but also our many followers on social media to share our fundraiser far and wide.![]()
![]()
When we finally have our Orthodox Temple and mission base from which to serve South and West Wales, and the West of England, it will be through the generosity and goodwill of people all around the world, and a sign of a shared desire to make our vision a concrete reality.![]()
![]()
May God bless you, and all who have supported our appeal!![]()
![]()
Donate to Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!, organized by Hieromonk Mark
gofund.me
Building Orthodoxy in a Land of Saints. Wales is an ancient ... Hieromonk Mark needs your support for Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!
Акафист Покрову Пресвятой Богородицы: azbyka.ru/molitvoslov/akafist-pokrovu-presvjatoj-bogorodicy.html
Dear brothers and sisters. It was lovely to share the chanting of Small Compline and the akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God with our young people this evening, and I hope that those who have never prayed this akathist will find a place for it in their spiritual lives.![]()
![]()
Akathist to the Protecting-Veil of the Mother of God - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Kontakion 1: O Chosen by the Pre-Eternal God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, higher than all creation, who hast in days past entered praying into the Church of the Blachernae we, offering Thee with thanks...
THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER: We will chant Small Compline with the akathist for the Protecting Veil in Nazareth House at 18:00, this evening, with confessions before and after the service.
Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite, Bishop of Athens
www.oca.org
Saint Dionysius lived originally in the city of Athens. He was raised there and received a classical Greek education. He then went to Egypt, where he studied astronomy at the city of Heliopolis. It wa...
Pochaev Lavra calls for three-day strict fast as state prepares to shut down the UOC
orthochristian.com
In particular, a hearing will be held on October 30 to consider banning the Kiev Metropolia of the UOC, which would deprive the entire Church of its central administration and all institutions attache...
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Ode 1, Irmos: I will open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I shall utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall be seen keeping splendid festival; and, rejoicing, I shall h...
orthochristian.com
The Church has always glorified the Most Holy Mother of God as the Protectress and Defender of the Christian people, entreating, by her intercession, God's loving-kindness towards us sinners. The Moth...
S prazdnikom dear brothers and sisters - greetings on this feast of Pokrov: the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God!![]()
![]()
As we look at the icon, we see the Mother of God at the centre of the Church, flanked by St John the Forerunner and St John the Theologian, surrounded by throngs of the heavenly powers and saints, who intercede for us with the Mother of God, as Queen of Heaven. ![]()
![]()
Her omophorion, spread over the temple and people below, is the sign of her perpetual spiritual protection and care, and her arms raised in prayer show that her intercession is the constant protection of the Church.![]()
![]()
In ancient Israel, the queen - the geburah - was not the king’s wife, but his mother, who, enthroned at his right hand, interceded for those who sought the favour and mercy of the king.![]()
![]()
On this feast, as the Queen of Heaven, we celebrate the Mother of God as our protection and intercessor at the right hand of Christ, our King and our God.![]()
![]()
The 10th century vision of the Blessed Andrew of Constantinople in the royal church of Blachernae, was a glimpse of the constant reality of the Mother of God and the heavenly Church interceding with the for the earthly Church and its faithful here below.![]()
![]()
Such is the Christ-like love of the Mother of God and the saints, that those who have been translated into glory and have been vouchsafed to enter the courts of the Kingdom of God ever intercede for us before the Lord of Glory. ![]()
![]()
The heavenly throng continually grows with the repose of the new generations of saints whom God rewards in His Heavenly Kingdom, year by year, century by century. And, year after year we celebrate this feast as a reaffirmation of the protection and intercession of the Theotokos and the saints, caring for us and raising us to the Lord by their prayers.![]()
![]()
Turning to our children and to those young and new in Faith, we should echo the words of the Blessed Andrew, who said to his disciple, the Blessed Epiphanios, “Do you see, brother, the Holy Theotokos, praying for all the world?” ![]()
![]()
Amidst the trials and difficulties of our lives, with our pressures and sorrows, when things may me seem hopeless and we may feel lost, we also need to repeat this constant spiritual reality to ourselves: the Holy Theotokos, is always praying for the whole world!![]()
![]()
In this reality, we need to discover hope, consolation and encouragement, and our Faith needs to be bolstered and strengthened by the knowledge that Christ has given us His mother as our mother, whose icons day-by-day and feast by feast proclaim everything that she is to us; our Directress; our Unexpected Joy; our Unshakeable Wall; the Joy of all Who Sorrow; the Nurturer of Children; the Consolation of the Afflicted; the Seeker of the Lost; the Surety of Sinners; the Deliverance of Those Who Suffer from Misfortunes; the Giver of Reason.![]()
![]()
May every feast of the Mother of God (whether of the events of her life or her wonderworking icons), every hymn and prayer addressed to her, each canon or akathist hymn written and chanted in her honour, bring us closer to her and help us to trust and find comfort in her constant intercession and protection, reminding us that she is always watching over us, wishing to protect us, and intercede for us whether we are aware or not.![]()
![]()
But, for this to be a reality, we need to seek her protection; to flee to her in times of need; to go to her as our shelter in danger; to know her as our refuge in affliction. We have to do this of our own volition, as she will not force herself upon us or coerce us. Thus, she ever awaits us with patience, compassion and love. Waiting to hear our cry, her embrace and love for the Church and the world always awaits us. ![]()
![]()
Encouraged by this feast, let us strive to deepen our relationship with the Mother of God, proactively, with gratitude and loving devotion, and just as St John quite literally took her into his home, each of us must spiritually take the Theotokos into our homes; under the roof of our dwelling and within our hearts that she may always have a place there with us; and within our community of Faith – for the Mother of God is not only at the centre of the Heavenly Church, but also of the pilgrim Church, leading it by her intercession and protection to the Kingdom of her Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to Whom be honour, glory and worship, together with His Unoriginate Father, and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters, due to the unforeseen need to be in Cardiff on Friday morning there now WILL be Friday afternoon vespers in the Oratory Church at 15:00!
The Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God in the Cardiff Oratory Church. Thanks to our little band of Wessex pilgrims who joined a few of us locals to honour the Mother of God on her feast.
Dear brothers and sisters, This weekend started with our sunbathed Liturgy for the feast of Saints Chariton the Confessor and St Wenceslaus in Warminster, following Great Vespers for the feast in the Oratory Church the previous afternoon. As always, it was a joy to serve in the Chapel of St Lawrence, where we look forward to a pair of eighteenth century “Tables of the Law” (Ten Commandments) being fixed to the east wall, either side of the stained-glass window....![]()
![]()
Weekly News - Monday 13 October - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Dear brothers and sisters, This weekend started with our sunbathed Liturgy for the feast of Saints Chariton the Confessor and St Wenceslaus in Warminster, following Great Vespers for the feast in the ...
We can learn so much from the lives and examples of the New Martyrs and Confessors. I thought it best to order Volume 2 of this series whilst it’s available. Not a pocket sized read!
Михаил Киевский и всея Руси: житие, иконы, день памяти
azbyka.ru
Краткое житие святителя Михаила, митрополита Киевского и всея РусиМитрополит Михаил родом из Сирии. В 988 году...
Saint Michael, first Metropolitan of Kiev
www.oca.org
Saint Michael the first Metropolitan of Kiev, according to the Joakimov chronicle, was a Syrian by birth, but according to other chronicles, he was a Bulgarian or Serb. In the year 989, he arrived at ...
We look forward to celebrating the feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God tomorrow, and will celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Cardiff Oratory Church (in Swinton Street) at 10:45, after the second morning mass.
orthochristian.com
From my own experience, I have been convinced how quickly he hastens to help and gives what each needs for the salvation of the soul.
The ‘Vita Prima’ of St John the Wonderworker
stjohnofshanghaibelfast.org
By Hiermonk Seraphim (Rose) (from Mettingham College Series No 1 2009) Preface The text below is [copied from] a reprint of the Vita Prima, of First Life, of St John (Maximovitch) the Wonderworker ...
The Feast of the Uncovering of Relics of St. John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco. ![]()
12/10/25
Please pray for Metropolitan Tychikos, who is flying today to Constantinople, and is grateful for our prayers in South Wales, and for all who are raising him up to the Lord.
Date of Ecumenical Patriarchate Synod on Met. Tychikos case announced
spzh.eu
Legal support for the metropolitan will be led by Panagiotis Lazaratos, the Professor of Administrative Law at the Law School of the University of Athens.
Radical Jews lodge complaint about Christian symbols at Holy Land site
orthochristian.com
The recent dispute arose after the Mission conducted minor repair work and added small crosses to the stairway railings leading into the cave.
St Vyacheslav (Wenceslaus): Life and Canon - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
28 SEPTEMBER (11 OCTOBER CIVIL CALENDAR) The Holy Prince Wenceslaus (Vyacheslav) of the Czechs was a grandson of the holy Martyr and Princess Ludmilla (September 16), and he was raised by her in deep ...
Вячеслав Чешский: житие, иконы, день памяти
azbyka.ru
Краткое житие благоверного князя Вячеслава ЧешскогоБлаговерный Вячеслав (он же Винчеслав или Вацлав), князь ...
The Founder of Solovki Monastery. Elena Detinina
orthochristian.com
Fr. Sabbatius was left alone on Solovetsky Island, but loneliness did not bother him at all, because he had always aspired to eremitic life. He had fulfilled his task as a righteous man, paving the th...
Corruption, lawlessness and state-supported hooliganism continues, full-steam ahead…![]()
![]()
Four more Orthodox churches forcibly seized in Ukraine since late September
orthochristian.com
The Ukrainian state and schismatic-nationalists continue their campaign of persecution against the Orthodox Church. Hundreds of churches have been violently overtaken over the past few years, often wi...
Serbian and ROCOR hierarchs celebrate 850th anniversary of St. Sava’s birth at Mileševa Monastery
orthochristian.com
Hierarchs from the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia gathered at Mileševa Monastery on October 6-7, to celebrate multiple commemorations, including the 850th anni...
Double attack on Pochaev Lavra: SBU search and seizure attempt on same day
orthochristian.com
The Ukrainian government and schismatics continue their campaign against the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Yesterday provided two more such examples when security forces carried out a search an...
GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS! Someone recently asked, “…when you feel comfort/help from God, what is the right thing to do? Is there a specific prayer?”![]()
![]()
After thinking about it, the answer seemed straightforward, and much more about living than just prayers…![]()
![]()
The great temptation here is to over-think our response, when the answer should be joy and gratitude welling up within us, as in the Mother of God at the Annunciation. “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour; for He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden.”![]()
![]()
We can chant the great hymn of St Ambrose, “We praise Thee, O God…” but it is just as important that joy and gratitude enters into every aspect of our daily lives: that we awake and rise with joy and gratitude; pray with joy and gratitude; wash and dress with joy and gratitude; eat and drink with joy and gratitude; work and study with joy and gratitude; walk and travel with joy and gratitude; rest and embrace our tiredness with joy and gratitude.![]()
![]()
This is how and why Metropolitan Tryphon Turkestanov was able to write the Akathist Hymn “Glory to God For All Things” even whilst languishing in the gulag… because joy and gratitude had not just become the character of life, but the whole way of Christian living. We must struggle to live like this. Death and hell are conquered. Christ is Risen!![]()
![]()
The more we live like this, the more we will see and recognise God’s help and comfort; recognising more things for which to thank God; the more we will say “Glory to God For All Things”! Simple things, little things… things that others miss, but in which we see the love of God: the colour of an autumn leaf, the sun shining through the trees, leaves rustling in the breeze, the singing of a bird, the smile of another human being. ![]()
![]()
We will increasingly see God in the little things because gratitude and joy is our way of life.![]()
![]()
The Akathist Hymn: "Glory to God for All Things": saintjonah.org/services/thanksgiving.htm
My soul doth magnify the Lord…
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.
Canon of the Theotokos, Ode I, Irmos: Overwhelming power once laid low the whole army of Pharaoh in the deep, and the incarnate Word hath destroyed pernicious sin. All-glorious is the Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified. Most Holy Theotokos, save us. Choosing thee as one beautiful, all-comely and immaculate among women, God made His abode within thine immaculate womb....![]()
![]()
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Canon of the Theotokos, Ode I, Irmos: Overwhelming power once laid low the whole army of Pharaoh in the deep, and the incarnate Word hath destroyed pernicious sin. All-glorious is the Lord, for glorio...
Miraculous Help of St. Sergius In Our Days. Stories from the editorial mail of Pravoslavie.Ru
orthochristian.com
On the eve of the commemoration day of St. Sergius of Radonezh, we asked readers to share their stories about miraculous help from the Abbot of the Russian Land.
Canon of the Theotokos, in Tone VI Ode I, Irmos : Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory! Most Holy Theotokos, save us. When Eve partook of the forbidden fruit of the tree, she brought about the curse; yet thou hast annulled it, O pure one, having given birth to Christ, the Firstfruits of blessing....![]()
![]()
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Canon of the Theotokos, in Tone VI Ode I, Irmos : Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of vi...
www.oca.org/saints/lives/2016/09/25/102725-repose-of-venerable-sergius-the-wonderworker-abbot-of-...
Repose of Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker, Abbot of Radonezh
www.oca.org
Saint Sergius of Radonezh was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3, 1314. His parents were the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria (September 28). The Lord chose him while s...
Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified. Holy Great-Martyr, Thecla, pray to God for us. The sound of man’s tongue is unable to recount the most glorious sufferings of the protomartyr, for it falleth short of fitting praise. Holy Great-Martyr, Thecla, pray to God for us....![]()
![]()
The Canon to the Holy Great-Martyr Thecla of Iconium - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified. Holy Great-Martyr, Thecla, pray to God for us. The sound of man’s tongu...
THE HOLY FIRST-MARTYRESS AND EQUAL-TO-THE-APOSTLES THEKLA![]()
![]()
Commemorated on September 24![]()
![]()
The Holy First-Martyress and Equal-to-the-Apostles Thekla was born in the city of Iconium. She was the daughter of rich and illustrious parents, and moreover she was distinguished by extraordinary beauty. At 18 years of age they betrothed her to an eminent youth, but having heard the preaching of the holy Apostle Paul about the Saviour, Saint Thekla with all her heart came to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and she steadfastly resolved not to enter into marriage, but rather to devote all her life to preaching the Gospel. ![]()
![]()
The mother of Saint Thekla was opposed to her daughter's plans and demanded that she enter into marriage with the bridegroom betrothed to her. Saint Thekla's fiancee likewise made a complaint to the governor of the city against the Apostle Paul, accusing him of turning his bride against him. The governor locked up Saint Paul in prison. ![]()
![]()
During the night Saint Thekla secretly ran away from her house, and she bribed the prison guards, giving them all her gold ornaments, and so made her way into the prison to the prisoner. For three days she sat at the feet of the Apostle Paul, hearkening to his fatherly precepts. The disappearance of Thekla was discovered, and servants were sent out everywhere in search of her. Finally they found her in the prison and brought her home by force.![]()
![]()
At his trial the Apostle Paul was sentenced to banishment from the city. And with Saint Thekla they again began urging her to consent to the marriage, but she would not change her mind. Neither the tears of her mother, nor her wrath, nor the threats of the governor were able to separate Saint Thekla from her love for the Heavenly Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ. Her mother in a insane rage demanded from the judges a death sentence against her unyielding daughter, and Saint Thekla was sentenced to burning. Without flinching, the holy martyress went into the bonfire and made the sign of the cross over herself. At this moment the Saviour appeared to her, blessing her present deed, and inexpressible joy filled her holy soul. The flames of the bon-fire shot up high, but the martyress was surrounded by an halo and the flames did not touch her. Thunder boomed, and a strong downpour of rain with hail extinguished the bon-fire. The torturers scattered in fear. Saint Thekla, kept safe by the Lord, quit the city and with the help of a certain Christian youth searched out the Apostle Paul. The holy apostle and his companions, among which was also the Disciple Barnabas, were hidden away in a cave not far from the city, praying fervently, that the Lord would give strength to Saint Thekla in her sufferings.![]()
![]()
After this, Saint Thekla went together with them preaching the Gospel in Antioch. In this city she was pursued by a certain dignitary named Alexander, who was captivated by her beauty. Saint Thekla refused his offer to enter into marriage, and so for being a Christian she was condemned to death. Twice they set loose upon her hungry wild animals, but they would not touch the holy virgin, but instead lay down meekly and licking at her feet. The Providence of God preserved the holy martyress unharmed through all her torments. Finally, they tied her to two oxen and began to chase after her with red-hot rods, but the strong cords broke asunder like cob-webs, and the oxen ran off, leaving Saint Thekla unharmed. And the people began shouting: "Great is the God of the Christians!" The governor himself became terrified, reasoning it out finally, that the holy martyress was being kept safe by the Almighty God, Whom she served. He then gave orders to set free the servant of God Thekla.![]()
![]()
With the blessing of the Apostle Paul, Saint Thekla then settled in the desolate surroundings of Isaurian Seleucia and dwelt there for many years, constantly preaching the Word of God and healing the sick through her prayer. Saint Thekla converted many pagans to Christ, and the Church names her worthily as "Equal-to-the-Apostles" ("Ravnoapostol'na"). Even a pagan priest, seeking to assault her purity and punished for his impudence, was brought by her to holy Baptism. More than once the enemy of the race of man tried to destroy Saint Thekla through people blinded by sin, but the power of God always preserved this faithful servant of Christ.![]()
![]()
When Saint Thekla was already a 90 year old woman, pagan sorcerers became incensed at her for treating the sick for free. They were unable to comprehend that the saint was healing the sick by the power of the grace of Christ, and they presumed that the virgin-goddess Artemis (Diana) was her especial patroness. Out of envy against Saint Thekla, they sent their followers to defile her. When they had already approached quite close to her, Saint Thekla cried out for help to Christ the Savior, and the hill split open and hid the holy virgin, the bride of Christ. And thus did Saint Thekla offer up her holy soul to the Lord.![]()
![]()
Holy Church glorifies the "First-Suffering" Thekla as "of women the glory and guide for suffering, opening up the way through every torment". From of old many a temple was dedicated to her, one of which was built at Tsargrad (Constantinople) by the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine (Comm. 21 May). And then too, the name of the First-Martyress Equal-to-the-Apostles Thekla, a prayer intercessor for the ascetic, is remembered during the tonsure of women into monasticism.![]()
![]()
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.#
HELP US ACQUIRE OUR OWN CHURCH!!! Thanks to everyone who has donated to our gofundme page so far. Your generous giving towards finally acquiring our own place of worship has had a good start, but we still have a very long way to go. ![]()
![]()
Every penny brings us closer to the day when there will be no more setting up and packing everything away before and after every service; no more having services under three different roofs each week; the opportunity for those passing by to come into an Orthodox sanctuary, light a candle and pray, or sit down for a few minutes of peace and quiet; establishing a sacred place where services can be celebrated any day of the week.![]()
![]()
After fifteen years of wandering, and enjoying the hospitality of others, it’s time for our own HOME, and tiny step by tiny step, each donation brings us closer!![]()
![]()
May God bless you all!
Donate to Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!, organized by Hieromonk Mark
gofund.me
Building Orthodoxy in a Land of Saints. Wales is an ancient ... Hieromonk Mark needs your support for Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!
azbyka.ru/days/prazdnik-zachatie-chestnogo-slavnogo-proroka-predtechi-i-krestitelja-gospodnja-ioanna
Зачатие честно́го, славного Пророка, Предтечи и Крестителя Господня Иоа́нна
azbyka.ru
Зачатие честно́го, славного Пророка, Предтечи и Крестителя Господня Иоа́нна
The Canon for the Conception of the Forerunner - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
The canon of the Forerunner, the composition of John of Damascus, in Tone VI: Ode I, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they crie...
Conception of St. John, Forerunner of Christ. St. Philaret of Chernigov
orthochristian.com
In remembrance of the conception of the Forerunner according to God’s special purpose, the Orthodox Church keeps a feast that without a doubt was established during the early years of Christianity.
Dear brothers and sisters, Thank you to everyone who has supported the shared life of our community over the past week, and to both parishioners, friends and benefactors of the parish, who have been generous in so many different ways. In the absence of both Olga and Masha, we are grateful to our young men, who in Joe’s case defied a sore and croaky throat to sing parts of the Liturgy, including a lovely Athonite setting of the first antiphon....![]()
![]()
Parish News - Sunday 5 April - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Dear brothers and sisters, Thank you to everyone who has supported the shared life of our community over the past week, and to both parishioners, friends and benefactors of the parish, who have been g...
Dear brothers and sisters, if you have been unable to join us for Liturgy today, you can still place a donation through our secure website portal using the following link:![]()
![]()
donate.mydona.com/russian-orthodox-ch-cardiff![]()
![]()
Select the fund you want to donate to![]()
![]()
- General Donation ![]()
- Priest Stipend![]()
- Building Fund![]()
- Assistance Fund![]()
- Flowers Fund![]()
![]()
The screen will show suggested donation amounts of £5, £10, £15, £20, £25, £30 or “Other Amount”, which allows you to type in your preferred donation amount.![]()
![]()
Once you select continue, you will be presented with the card payment interface to enter your card information.![]()
![]()
If you are on a mobile and use apple pay or google wallet, these methods can also be selected to make the donation instead of typing in your card details.![]()
![]()
Following a successful donation, the system will ask if you want to gift aid your donation. If you say yes it will ask for your details to allow us to make a gift aid claim. Please do this if you’re a UK taxpayer, as the government will give us an additional 25% on top of your donation for free! But only if you pay tax in the UK!![]()
![]()
If you use the same card in future, it will remember your gift aid information, so you only need to enter your details once per bank card.![]()
![]()
Thats it! The donation will be transferred to our bank account.![]()
![]()
You will need to make multiple donations if you want to donate towards multiple funds, as it cannot split the donation per transaction.![]()
![]()
In Christ - Fr Mark Fisher
Time certainly flies, and it’s hard to believe that two years ago we were marking the Leave-Taking of the Exultation of the Cross in Nazareth House. ![]()
![]()
So much has happened since then, and as our journey continues, perhaps we should be inspired by the children of Israel on their long journey through the wilderness to the promised land, travelling forward in the formation of the Cross, three tribes before, three tribes behind and three tribes either side of the Ark of the Covenant.![]()
![]()
They stopped in many places camping around the Tabernacle in the same cross-formation, having to set up the portable precursor of the Temple, and we know that feeling, but we know that wherever they sojourned and set up the Tabernacle, within its Holy of Holies, the Divine Presence was with them, just as we are also blessed when we pitch our Tabernacle, and the Lord of Hosts is with us, in our very midst.![]()
![]()
But, now in place of the Righteous Aaron the High-Priest and in place of the sacrifices of the Old Law we have Christ our Saviour as both High-Priest and the Sacrifice. ![]()
![]()
We have no need for the Mercy-Seat, the cherubim and the Ark of the Covenant, for we have the Mother of God, who is greater than the cherubim, as the true Ark and true Mercy-Seat of the All-Merciful Lord.![]()
![]()
We have no need of the budded staff of Aaron, manna and tablets of the Law treasured in the Ark, for the Lord, the Giver of the Law, Who is the bud and scion from the root of the forefathers of the Old Israel comes to us in the Manna of His Body and Blood, and gives Himself to us as the New and TRUE Israel of God, redeemed, healed and sealed by His Precious and Life-Giving Cross!![]()
![]()
However long it takes, may the mystery of the Cross always guide our onward journey: in obedience, humility, selflessness and sacrificial-love.
ABORTION AND LGBTQ SUPPORTING CLERIC APPOINTED FOR CANTERBURY…
First female Archbishop to lead Church of England appointed
spzh.eu
For the first time in 1400 years, a woman has been appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury – the Bishop of London Sarah Mullally, a supporter of LGBT and the right to abortion.
Uncovering of the relics (1752) of St. Demetrius, metropolitan of Rostov - Commemorated on September 21 Old Style.![]()
![]()
Sainted Dimitrii, Metropolitan of Rostov, arrived at the Rostov cathedral in 1702, and he first of all visited the monastery of Sainted Jakov, Bishop of Rostov (Comm. 27 November and 23 May). At the cathedral church in honour of the Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God he made liturgy, after which before all those present in the temple he pointed out on the right side the place of his future burial with the words: "Behold my repose, here settle I for eternity". Sainted Dimitrii reposed on 28 October 1709 (the account about his life is located under this day). Contrary to the wishes of the saint, expressed in his will, the clergy and people of Rostov requested the locum-tenens of the patriarchal throne, the Metropolitan of Ryazan Stefan Yavorsky, who arrived for the funeral, to make the burial at the cathedral church of the city, alongside the predecessor of Saint Dimitrii, Sainted Joasaph. Metropolitan Stefan, keeping to the will of his deceased friend, insisted on burial of the body of Saint Dimitrii at the designated spot. However, until the arrival of Metropolitan Stefan the place of burial had not been prepared, although from the day of death about a month had elapsed. Owing to the urgent departure of Metropolitan Stefan from Rostov, into the dug-out grave was made an hastily constructed wooden frame, in which on 25 November the body of the saint was buried. This circumstance, foreseen by the Providence of God, led to a quick uncovering of the relics. In 1752 repairs were being done at the cathedral church of the monastery, and on 21 September during repair of the torn-up floor was discovered the undecayed body of Saint Dimitrii. The place of burial was affected by dampness, the oaken coffin and the writing on it were decayed, but the body of the saint, and even the omophor, sacchos, mitre and silken rosary were preserved uncorrupt. After the uncovering of the holy relics many healings were worked, about which report was made to the Synod, – by the order of which there arrived at Rostov the Suzdal' Metropolitan Sylvester and the Simonovsk archimandrite Gavriel for an examination of the relics of saint Dimitrii and the incidents of miraculous healings. There resulted an ukaz (decree) of the Synod of 29 April 1757 concerning the enumeration to the ranks of the saints of Rostov, and feastdays established for 28 October (the day of repose) and 21 September (the day of uncovering of the relics).![]()
![]()
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.
Prayer Is Not Just Talking to God
youtu.be
Discover the true meaning of Christian prayer. In this reflection, Bishop Irenei explains why prayer is not simply a “conversation with God,” but a path to c...
Planned visit to Mt. Athos by schismatic Dumenko sparks division among monasteries
orthochristian.com
The planned visit has reportedly provoked strong reactions within the Sacred Community, particularly given the ongoing persecution of clergy, monastics, and faithful of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodo...
So much for the avowed and boasted de-Communisation of Ukraine!![]()
![]()
Reserve celebrates 99th anniversary of Bolsheviks-created museum in Lavra
spzh.eu
An anniversary is being celebrated by the reserve that has seized the monastery’s churches and holy relics.
LITURGY FOR THE FEAST OF THE PROTECTING VEIL - 14 OCTOBER: Dear brothers and sisters. I am happy to confirm that we will celebrate the feast of the Protecting Veil of the Most-Holy Mother of God in the Cardiff Oratory Church, with the Hours and Divine Liturgy at 10:45 on Tuesday 14 October.![]()
![]()
Many thanks to the Oratorian Fathers.
FIGHTING BLASPHEMOUS THOUGHTS WITH THE CONFESSION OF GOD’S HOLINESS ![]()
![]()
A young person recently asked how to fight the attack of blasphemous thoughts.![]()
![]()
We might learn from the experience of elder St Paisios, and when it starts, say the words of the Trisagion, which are the very opposite of blasphemy and join us with all the bodiless powers of heaven and all the saints in glorifying God and exulting His holiness. ![]()
![]()
St Pasios related that, ![]()
![]()
“One day during the Divine Liturgy, at the Trisagion Hymn, I, with the other monks, was chanting quietly the Trisagion Hymn of Neleos. Then I saw a huge and fearful beast with a dog’s head entering from the door of the Litye. Flames were coming out of its mouth and its eyes! He turned and gave me two gestures of a curse, because I was chanting Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us.![]()
![]()
“I turned to the side to see if anyone else had seen the beast, but no one had. Later I told my Spiritual Father, ‘This and this happened to me.’ Then my Spiritual Father said to me, ‘There, you saw him. That’s him [who is the source of your blasphemous thoughts]. Now, will you stop worrying and be still.'”![]()
![]()
If we keep our peace and quietly pray the Thrice-Holy, we are not alone, but united with the whole Church, both heavenly and earthly, and can equally reflect the angelic hosts in the thrice-holy of the Anaphora Liturgy and burn the demons with its words!![]()
![]()
Holy, holy, holy, Lord of Sabbaoth, heaven and earth are full of Thy glory; hosanna on the highest!![]()
![]()
It’s not simply that we are praising God, but by our confession in the words of the Trisagion, we confront the demons with the terrible holiness of God, as experienced by the Prophets seeing the Lord upon the heavenly throne and hearing the song of the angelic hosts.![]()
![]()
The thrice-holy of the angels must be like lightening or fire to the unclean ones!![]()
![]()
Burn them with it, just as they are scorched and terrified by the Jesus Prayer!
Dear brothers and sisters, Greetings as we continue to celebrate the afterfeast of the Exultation of the Life-Giving Cross, having been greatly blessed by the presence of one of the Oratories relics of the Life-Giving Cross at Liturgy, having already taken the relic to Lazarica for the festal Liturgy on Saturday. Profound thanks to the Father and Brothers of the Oratory....![]()
![]()
Parish News - 29 September - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Dear brothers and sisters, Greetings as we continue to celebrate the afterfeast of the Exultation of the Life-Giving Cross, having been greatly blessed by the presence of one of the Oratories relics o...
Prague: 90th anniversary of Orthodox cathedral with Czech and Serbian hierarchs (+VIDEO)
orthochristian.com
The Liturgy was followed by the opening of a photo exhibition dedicated to the consecration of the cathedral as an Orthodox church in 1935.
Sadly, vision, dedication, great achievement and selfless hard work mean nothing to either the Phanar or the Church of Cyprus. Politics, money, power and influence are the only currency that counts. Orthodoxy is nowhere to be seen! God bless Bishop Tykhikos. Axios! Axios! Axios!
Media report Metropolitan Tychikos's achievements in Paphos ministry
spzh.eu
In two years of episcopacy, the income of the Metropolis has more than doubled, new educational centers have been established, and more than 800 icons have been restored.
Athonites who served with Dumenko should be excommunicated, cell monks write
orthochristian.com
In their new statement, the cell monks emphasize that Dumenko and his group are schismatics, outside the Church, and thus it violates the canons of the Church and the ethos of Mt. Athos to celebrate w...
New Archbishop of Sinai ordained in Jerusalem
spzh.eu
Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem ordained the new abbot of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai.
Venerable Father Joseph the Hagiorite, pray to God for us!
On Patience and Endurance (Letter 40) - Elder Joseph the Hesychast
m.youtube.com
“Now you become angry and fainthearted and grieved, thinking that the heavenly Father is slow in answering. But I tell you that this will also happen as you ...
Right-believing Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich of Novgorod
www.oca.org
The holy right-believing Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich of Novgorod, the Wonderworker, was the eldest son of Great Prince Yaroslav the Wise, and was born in the year 1020. At age fourteen, his father mad...
Today is one of the feasts of St Anna of Novgorod, celebrated today with her son, the Right-Believing Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich.![]()
![]()
Right-Believing Princess Anna of Novgorod
orthochristian.com
She was a true daughter of Scandinavia of the era of the Vikings and so from her earliest days, she enjoyed great freedom, took part in the public life of her homeland, traveled, received guests, and ...
17 OCTOBER - FUNDRAISING UPDATE: Dear brothers and sisters, though we still have a long way to go, it’s wonderful that over the last month, £3,000 has been raised through gofundme donations, with more donations by bank-transfer and using the electronic pay-plate. ![]()
![]()
Heartfelt thanks to all who have donated, and please remember that when we say that every pound brings us closer to making our vision a reality, it’s not poetic, creative language, but a fact! At some point, the very last pound will bring us to our goal.![]()
![]()
Our starosta and youth-team have been continually busy in the background, and we ask not only our parishioners, but also our many followers on social media to share our fundraiser far and wide.![]()
![]()
When we finally have our Orthodox Temple and mission base from which to serve South and West Wales, and the West of England, it will be through the generosity and goodwill of people all around the world, and a sign of a shared desire to make our vision a concrete reality.![]()
![]()
May God bless you, and all who have supported our appeal!![]()
![]()
Donate to Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!, organized by Hieromonk Mark
gofund.me
Building Orthodoxy in a Land of Saints. Wales is an ancient ... Hieromonk Mark needs your support for Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!
Акафист Покрову Пресвятой Богородицы: azbyka.ru/molitvoslov/akafist-pokrovu-presvjatoj-bogorodicy.html
Dear brothers and sisters. It was lovely to share the chanting of Small Compline and the akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God with our young people this evening, and I hope that those who have never prayed this akathist will find a place for it in their spiritual lives.![]()
![]()
Akathist to the Protecting-Veil of the Mother of God - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Kontakion 1: O Chosen by the Pre-Eternal God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, higher than all creation, who hast in days past entered praying into the Church of the Blachernae we, offering Thee with thanks...
THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER: We will chant Small Compline with the akathist for the Protecting Veil in Nazareth House at 18:00, this evening, with confessions before and after the service.
Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite, Bishop of Athens
www.oca.org
Saint Dionysius lived originally in the city of Athens. He was raised there and received a classical Greek education. He then went to Egypt, where he studied astronomy at the city of Heliopolis. It wa...
Pochaev Lavra calls for three-day strict fast as state prepares to shut down the UOC
orthochristian.com
In particular, a hearing will be held on October 30 to consider banning the Kiev Metropolia of the UOC, which would deprive the entire Church of its central administration and all institutions attache...
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Ode 1, Irmos: I will open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I shall utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall be seen keeping splendid festival; and, rejoicing, I shall h...
orthochristian.com
The Church has always glorified the Most Holy Mother of God as the Protectress and Defender of the Christian people, entreating, by her intercession, God's loving-kindness towards us sinners. The Moth...
S prazdnikom dear brothers and sisters - greetings on this feast of Pokrov: the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God!![]()
![]()
As we look at the icon, we see the Mother of God at the centre of the Church, flanked by St John the Forerunner and St John the Theologian, surrounded by throngs of the heavenly powers and saints, who intercede for us with the Mother of God, as Queen of Heaven. ![]()
![]()
Her omophorion, spread over the temple and people below, is the sign of her perpetual spiritual protection and care, and her arms raised in prayer show that her intercession is the constant protection of the Church.![]()
![]()
In ancient Israel, the queen - the geburah - was not the king’s wife, but his mother, who, enthroned at his right hand, interceded for those who sought the favour and mercy of the king.![]()
![]()
On this feast, as the Queen of Heaven, we celebrate the Mother of God as our protection and intercessor at the right hand of Christ, our King and our God.![]()
![]()
The 10th century vision of the Blessed Andrew of Constantinople in the royal church of Blachernae, was a glimpse of the constant reality of the Mother of God and the heavenly Church interceding with the for the earthly Church and its faithful here below.![]()
![]()
Such is the Christ-like love of the Mother of God and the saints, that those who have been translated into glory and have been vouchsafed to enter the courts of the Kingdom of God ever intercede for us before the Lord of Glory. ![]()
![]()
The heavenly throng continually grows with the repose of the new generations of saints whom God rewards in His Heavenly Kingdom, year by year, century by century. And, year after year we celebrate this feast as a reaffirmation of the protection and intercession of the Theotokos and the saints, caring for us and raising us to the Lord by their prayers.![]()
![]()
Turning to our children and to those young and new in Faith, we should echo the words of the Blessed Andrew, who said to his disciple, the Blessed Epiphanios, “Do you see, brother, the Holy Theotokos, praying for all the world?” ![]()
![]()
Amidst the trials and difficulties of our lives, with our pressures and sorrows, when things may me seem hopeless and we may feel lost, we also need to repeat this constant spiritual reality to ourselves: the Holy Theotokos, is always praying for the whole world!![]()
![]()
In this reality, we need to discover hope, consolation and encouragement, and our Faith needs to be bolstered and strengthened by the knowledge that Christ has given us His mother as our mother, whose icons day-by-day and feast by feast proclaim everything that she is to us; our Directress; our Unexpected Joy; our Unshakeable Wall; the Joy of all Who Sorrow; the Nurturer of Children; the Consolation of the Afflicted; the Seeker of the Lost; the Surety of Sinners; the Deliverance of Those Who Suffer from Misfortunes; the Giver of Reason.![]()
![]()
May every feast of the Mother of God (whether of the events of her life or her wonderworking icons), every hymn and prayer addressed to her, each canon or akathist hymn written and chanted in her honour, bring us closer to her and help us to trust and find comfort in her constant intercession and protection, reminding us that she is always watching over us, wishing to protect us, and intercede for us whether we are aware or not.![]()
![]()
But, for this to be a reality, we need to seek her protection; to flee to her in times of need; to go to her as our shelter in danger; to know her as our refuge in affliction. We have to do this of our own volition, as she will not force herself upon us or coerce us. Thus, she ever awaits us with patience, compassion and love. Waiting to hear our cry, her embrace and love for the Church and the world always awaits us. ![]()
![]()
Encouraged by this feast, let us strive to deepen our relationship with the Mother of God, proactively, with gratitude and loving devotion, and just as St John quite literally took her into his home, each of us must spiritually take the Theotokos into our homes; under the roof of our dwelling and within our hearts that she may always have a place there with us; and within our community of Faith – for the Mother of God is not only at the centre of the Heavenly Church, but also of the pilgrim Church, leading it by her intercession and protection to the Kingdom of her Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to Whom be honour, glory and worship, together with His Unoriginate Father, and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters, due to the unforeseen need to be in Cardiff on Friday morning there now WILL be Friday afternoon vespers in the Oratory Church at 15:00!
The Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God in the Cardiff Oratory Church. Thanks to our little band of Wessex pilgrims who joined a few of us locals to honour the Mother of God on her feast.
Dear brothers and sisters, This weekend started with our sunbathed Liturgy for the feast of Saints Chariton the Confessor and St Wenceslaus in Warminster, following Great Vespers for the feast in the Oratory Church the previous afternoon. As always, it was a joy to serve in the Chapel of St Lawrence, where we look forward to a pair of eighteenth century “Tables of the Law” (Ten Commandments) being fixed to the east wall, either side of the stained-glass window....![]()
![]()
Weekly News - Monday 13 October - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Dear brothers and sisters, This weekend started with our sunbathed Liturgy for the feast of Saints Chariton the Confessor and St Wenceslaus in Warminster, following Great Vespers for the feast in the ...
We can learn so much from the lives and examples of the New Martyrs and Confessors. I thought it best to order Volume 2 of this series whilst it’s available. Not a pocket sized read!
Михаил Киевский и всея Руси: житие, иконы, день памяти
azbyka.ru
Краткое житие святителя Михаила, митрополита Киевского и всея РусиМитрополит Михаил родом из Сирии. В 988 году...
Saint Michael, first Metropolitan of Kiev
www.oca.org
Saint Michael the first Metropolitan of Kiev, according to the Joakimov chronicle, was a Syrian by birth, but according to other chronicles, he was a Bulgarian or Serb. In the year 989, he arrived at ...
We look forward to celebrating the feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God tomorrow, and will celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Cardiff Oratory Church (in Swinton Street) at 10:45, after the second morning mass.
orthochristian.com
From my own experience, I have been convinced how quickly he hastens to help and gives what each needs for the salvation of the soul.
The ‘Vita Prima’ of St John the Wonderworker
stjohnofshanghaibelfast.org
By Hiermonk Seraphim (Rose) (from Mettingham College Series No 1 2009) Preface The text below is [copied from] a reprint of the Vita Prima, of First Life, of St John (Maximovitch) the Wonderworker ...
The Feast of the Uncovering of Relics of St. John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco. ![]()
12/10/25
Please pray for Metropolitan Tychikos, who is flying today to Constantinople, and is grateful for our prayers in South Wales, and for all who are raising him up to the Lord.
Date of Ecumenical Patriarchate Synod on Met. Tychikos case announced
spzh.eu
Legal support for the metropolitan will be led by Panagiotis Lazaratos, the Professor of Administrative Law at the Law School of the University of Athens.
Radical Jews lodge complaint about Christian symbols at Holy Land site
orthochristian.com
The recent dispute arose after the Mission conducted minor repair work and added small crosses to the stairway railings leading into the cave.
St Vyacheslav (Wenceslaus): Life and Canon - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
28 SEPTEMBER (11 OCTOBER CIVIL CALENDAR) The Holy Prince Wenceslaus (Vyacheslav) of the Czechs was a grandson of the holy Martyr and Princess Ludmilla (September 16), and he was raised by her in deep ...
Вячеслав Чешский: житие, иконы, день памяти
azbyka.ru
Краткое житие благоверного князя Вячеслава ЧешскогоБлаговерный Вячеслав (он же Винчеслав или Вацлав), князь ...
The Founder of Solovki Monastery. Elena Detinina
orthochristian.com
Fr. Sabbatius was left alone on Solovetsky Island, but loneliness did not bother him at all, because he had always aspired to eremitic life. He had fulfilled his task as a righteous man, paving the th...
Corruption, lawlessness and state-supported hooliganism continues, full-steam ahead…![]()
![]()
Four more Orthodox churches forcibly seized in Ukraine since late September
orthochristian.com
The Ukrainian state and schismatic-nationalists continue their campaign of persecution against the Orthodox Church. Hundreds of churches have been violently overtaken over the past few years, often wi...
Serbian and ROCOR hierarchs celebrate 850th anniversary of St. Sava’s birth at Mileševa Monastery
orthochristian.com
Hierarchs from the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia gathered at Mileševa Monastery on October 6-7, to celebrate multiple commemorations, including the 850th anni...
Double attack on Pochaev Lavra: SBU search and seizure attempt on same day
orthochristian.com
The Ukrainian government and schismatics continue their campaign against the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Yesterday provided two more such examples when security forces carried out a search an...
GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS! Someone recently asked, “…when you feel comfort/help from God, what is the right thing to do? Is there a specific prayer?”![]()
![]()
After thinking about it, the answer seemed straightforward, and much more about living than just prayers…![]()
![]()
The great temptation here is to over-think our response, when the answer should be joy and gratitude welling up within us, as in the Mother of God at the Annunciation. “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour; for He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden.”![]()
![]()
We can chant the great hymn of St Ambrose, “We praise Thee, O God…” but it is just as important that joy and gratitude enters into every aspect of our daily lives: that we awake and rise with joy and gratitude; pray with joy and gratitude; wash and dress with joy and gratitude; eat and drink with joy and gratitude; work and study with joy and gratitude; walk and travel with joy and gratitude; rest and embrace our tiredness with joy and gratitude.![]()
![]()
This is how and why Metropolitan Tryphon Turkestanov was able to write the Akathist Hymn “Glory to God For All Things” even whilst languishing in the gulag… because joy and gratitude had not just become the character of life, but the whole way of Christian living. We must struggle to live like this. Death and hell are conquered. Christ is Risen!![]()
![]()
The more we live like this, the more we will see and recognise God’s help and comfort; recognising more things for which to thank God; the more we will say “Glory to God For All Things”! Simple things, little things… things that others miss, but in which we see the love of God: the colour of an autumn leaf, the sun shining through the trees, leaves rustling in the breeze, the singing of a bird, the smile of another human being. ![]()
![]()
We will increasingly see God in the little things because gratitude and joy is our way of life.![]()
![]()
The Akathist Hymn: "Glory to God for All Things": saintjonah.org/services/thanksgiving.htm
My soul doth magnify the Lord…
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.
Canon of the Theotokos, Ode I, Irmos: Overwhelming power once laid low the whole army of Pharaoh in the deep, and the incarnate Word hath destroyed pernicious sin. All-glorious is the Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified. Most Holy Theotokos, save us. Choosing thee as one beautiful, all-comely and immaculate among women, God made His abode within thine immaculate womb....![]()
![]()
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Canon of the Theotokos, Ode I, Irmos: Overwhelming power once laid low the whole army of Pharaoh in the deep, and the incarnate Word hath destroyed pernicious sin. All-glorious is the Lord, for glorio...
Miraculous Help of St. Sergius In Our Days. Stories from the editorial mail of Pravoslavie.Ru
orthochristian.com
On the eve of the commemoration day of St. Sergius of Radonezh, we asked readers to share their stories about miraculous help from the Abbot of the Russian Land.
Canon of the Theotokos, in Tone VI Ode I, Irmos : Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory! Most Holy Theotokos, save us. When Eve partook of the forbidden fruit of the tree, she brought about the curse; yet thou hast annulled it, O pure one, having given birth to Christ, the Firstfruits of blessing....![]()
![]()
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Canon of the Theotokos, in Tone VI Ode I, Irmos : Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of vi...
www.oca.org/saints/lives/2016/09/25/102725-repose-of-venerable-sergius-the-wonderworker-abbot-of-...
Repose of Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker, Abbot of Radonezh
www.oca.org
Saint Sergius of Radonezh was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3, 1314. His parents were the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria (September 28). The Lord chose him while s...
Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified. Holy Great-Martyr, Thecla, pray to God for us. The sound of man’s tongue is unable to recount the most glorious sufferings of the protomartyr, for it falleth short of fitting praise. Holy Great-Martyr, Thecla, pray to God for us....![]()
![]()
The Canon to the Holy Great-Martyr Thecla of Iconium - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified. Holy Great-Martyr, Thecla, pray to God for us. The sound of man’s tongu...
THE HOLY FIRST-MARTYRESS AND EQUAL-TO-THE-APOSTLES THEKLA![]()
![]()
Commemorated on September 24![]()
![]()
The Holy First-Martyress and Equal-to-the-Apostles Thekla was born in the city of Iconium. She was the daughter of rich and illustrious parents, and moreover she was distinguished by extraordinary beauty. At 18 years of age they betrothed her to an eminent youth, but having heard the preaching of the holy Apostle Paul about the Saviour, Saint Thekla with all her heart came to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and she steadfastly resolved not to enter into marriage, but rather to devote all her life to preaching the Gospel. ![]()
![]()
The mother of Saint Thekla was opposed to her daughter's plans and demanded that she enter into marriage with the bridegroom betrothed to her. Saint Thekla's fiancee likewise made a complaint to the governor of the city against the Apostle Paul, accusing him of turning his bride against him. The governor locked up Saint Paul in prison. ![]()
![]()
During the night Saint Thekla secretly ran away from her house, and she bribed the prison guards, giving them all her gold ornaments, and so made her way into the prison to the prisoner. For three days she sat at the feet of the Apostle Paul, hearkening to his fatherly precepts. The disappearance of Thekla was discovered, and servants were sent out everywhere in search of her. Finally they found her in the prison and brought her home by force.![]()
![]()
At his trial the Apostle Paul was sentenced to banishment from the city. And with Saint Thekla they again began urging her to consent to the marriage, but she would not change her mind. Neither the tears of her mother, nor her wrath, nor the threats of the governor were able to separate Saint Thekla from her love for the Heavenly Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ. Her mother in a insane rage demanded from the judges a death sentence against her unyielding daughter, and Saint Thekla was sentenced to burning. Without flinching, the holy martyress went into the bonfire and made the sign of the cross over herself. At this moment the Saviour appeared to her, blessing her present deed, and inexpressible joy filled her holy soul. The flames of the bon-fire shot up high, but the martyress was surrounded by an halo and the flames did not touch her. Thunder boomed, and a strong downpour of rain with hail extinguished the bon-fire. The torturers scattered in fear. Saint Thekla, kept safe by the Lord, quit the city and with the help of a certain Christian youth searched out the Apostle Paul. The holy apostle and his companions, among which was also the Disciple Barnabas, were hidden away in a cave not far from the city, praying fervently, that the Lord would give strength to Saint Thekla in her sufferings.![]()
![]()
After this, Saint Thekla went together with them preaching the Gospel in Antioch. In this city she was pursued by a certain dignitary named Alexander, who was captivated by her beauty. Saint Thekla refused his offer to enter into marriage, and so for being a Christian she was condemned to death. Twice they set loose upon her hungry wild animals, but they would not touch the holy virgin, but instead lay down meekly and licking at her feet. The Providence of God preserved the holy martyress unharmed through all her torments. Finally, they tied her to two oxen and began to chase after her with red-hot rods, but the strong cords broke asunder like cob-webs, and the oxen ran off, leaving Saint Thekla unharmed. And the people began shouting: "Great is the God of the Christians!" The governor himself became terrified, reasoning it out finally, that the holy martyress was being kept safe by the Almighty God, Whom she served. He then gave orders to set free the servant of God Thekla.![]()
![]()
With the blessing of the Apostle Paul, Saint Thekla then settled in the desolate surroundings of Isaurian Seleucia and dwelt there for many years, constantly preaching the Word of God and healing the sick through her prayer. Saint Thekla converted many pagans to Christ, and the Church names her worthily as "Equal-to-the-Apostles" ("Ravnoapostol'na"). Even a pagan priest, seeking to assault her purity and punished for his impudence, was brought by her to holy Baptism. More than once the enemy of the race of man tried to destroy Saint Thekla through people blinded by sin, but the power of God always preserved this faithful servant of Christ.![]()
![]()
When Saint Thekla was already a 90 year old woman, pagan sorcerers became incensed at her for treating the sick for free. They were unable to comprehend that the saint was healing the sick by the power of the grace of Christ, and they presumed that the virgin-goddess Artemis (Diana) was her especial patroness. Out of envy against Saint Thekla, they sent their followers to defile her. When they had already approached quite close to her, Saint Thekla cried out for help to Christ the Savior, and the hill split open and hid the holy virgin, the bride of Christ. And thus did Saint Thekla offer up her holy soul to the Lord.![]()
![]()
Holy Church glorifies the "First-Suffering" Thekla as "of women the glory and guide for suffering, opening up the way through every torment". From of old many a temple was dedicated to her, one of which was built at Tsargrad (Constantinople) by the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine (Comm. 21 May). And then too, the name of the First-Martyress Equal-to-the-Apostles Thekla, a prayer intercessor for the ascetic, is remembered during the tonsure of women into monasticism.![]()
![]()
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.#
HELP US ACQUIRE OUR OWN CHURCH!!! Thanks to everyone who has donated to our gofundme page so far. Your generous giving towards finally acquiring our own place of worship has had a good start, but we still have a very long way to go. ![]()
![]()
Every penny brings us closer to the day when there will be no more setting up and packing everything away before and after every service; no more having services under three different roofs each week; the opportunity for those passing by to come into an Orthodox sanctuary, light a candle and pray, or sit down for a few minutes of peace and quiet; establishing a sacred place where services can be celebrated any day of the week.![]()
![]()
After fifteen years of wandering, and enjoying the hospitality of others, it’s time for our own HOME, and tiny step by tiny step, each donation brings us closer!![]()
![]()
May God bless you all!
Donate to Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!, organized by Hieromonk Mark
gofund.me
Building Orthodoxy in a Land of Saints. Wales is an ancient ... Hieromonk Mark needs your support for Help us buy a Church for our Orthodox Parish in Wales!
azbyka.ru/days/prazdnik-zachatie-chestnogo-slavnogo-proroka-predtechi-i-krestitelja-gospodnja-ioanna
Зачатие честно́го, славного Пророка, Предтечи и Крестителя Господня Иоа́нна
azbyka.ru
Зачатие честно́го, славного Пророка, Предтечи и Крестителя Господня Иоа́нна
The Canon for the Conception of the Forerunner - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
The canon of the Forerunner, the composition of John of Damascus, in Tone VI: Ode I, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they crie...
Conception of St. John, Forerunner of Christ. St. Philaret of Chernigov
orthochristian.com
In remembrance of the conception of the Forerunner according to God’s special purpose, the Orthodox Church keeps a feast that without a doubt was established during the early years of Christianity.
Dear brothers and sisters, Thank you to everyone who has supported the shared life of our community over the past week, and to both parishioners, friends and benefactors of the parish, who have been generous in so many different ways. In the absence of both Olga and Masha, we are grateful to our young men, who in Joe’s case defied a sore and croaky throat to sing parts of the Liturgy, including a lovely Athonite setting of the first antiphon....![]()
![]()
Parish News - Sunday 5 April - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Dear brothers and sisters, Thank you to everyone who has supported the shared life of our community over the past week, and to both parishioners, friends and benefactors of the parish, who have been g...
Dear brothers and sisters, if you have been unable to join us for Liturgy today, you can still place a donation through our secure website portal using the following link:![]()
![]()
donate.mydona.com/russian-orthodox-ch-cardiff![]()
![]()
Select the fund you want to donate to![]()
![]()
- General Donation ![]()
- Priest Stipend![]()
- Building Fund![]()
- Assistance Fund![]()
- Flowers Fund![]()
![]()
The screen will show suggested donation amounts of £5, £10, £15, £20, £25, £30 or “Other Amount”, which allows you to type in your preferred donation amount.![]()
![]()
Once you select continue, you will be presented with the card payment interface to enter your card information.![]()
![]()
If you are on a mobile and use apple pay or google wallet, these methods can also be selected to make the donation instead of typing in your card details.![]()
![]()
Following a successful donation, the system will ask if you want to gift aid your donation. If you say yes it will ask for your details to allow us to make a gift aid claim. Please do this if you’re a UK taxpayer, as the government will give us an additional 25% on top of your donation for free! But only if you pay tax in the UK!![]()
![]()
If you use the same card in future, it will remember your gift aid information, so you only need to enter your details once per bank card.![]()
![]()
Thats it! The donation will be transferred to our bank account.![]()
![]()
You will need to make multiple donations if you want to donate towards multiple funds, as it cannot split the donation per transaction.![]()
![]()
In Christ - Fr Mark Fisher
Time certainly flies, and it’s hard to believe that two years ago we were marking the Leave-Taking of the Exultation of the Cross in Nazareth House. ![]()
![]()
So much has happened since then, and as our journey continues, perhaps we should be inspired by the children of Israel on their long journey through the wilderness to the promised land, travelling forward in the formation of the Cross, three tribes before, three tribes behind and three tribes either side of the Ark of the Covenant.![]()
![]()
They stopped in many places camping around the Tabernacle in the same cross-formation, having to set up the portable precursor of the Temple, and we know that feeling, but we know that wherever they sojourned and set up the Tabernacle, within its Holy of Holies, the Divine Presence was with them, just as we are also blessed when we pitch our Tabernacle, and the Lord of Hosts is with us, in our very midst.![]()
![]()
But, now in place of the Righteous Aaron the High-Priest and in place of the sacrifices of the Old Law we have Christ our Saviour as both High-Priest and the Sacrifice. ![]()
![]()
We have no need for the Mercy-Seat, the cherubim and the Ark of the Covenant, for we have the Mother of God, who is greater than the cherubim, as the true Ark and true Mercy-Seat of the All-Merciful Lord.![]()
![]()
We have no need of the budded staff of Aaron, manna and tablets of the Law treasured in the Ark, for the Lord, the Giver of the Law, Who is the bud and scion from the root of the forefathers of the Old Israel comes to us in the Manna of His Body and Blood, and gives Himself to us as the New and TRUE Israel of God, redeemed, healed and sealed by His Precious and Life-Giving Cross!![]()
![]()
However long it takes, may the mystery of the Cross always guide our onward journey: in obedience, humility, selflessness and sacrificial-love.
ABORTION AND LGBTQ SUPPORTING CLERIC APPOINTED FOR CANTERBURY…
First female Archbishop to lead Church of England appointed
spzh.eu
For the first time in 1400 years, a woman has been appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury – the Bishop of London Sarah Mullally, a supporter of LGBT and the right to abortion.
Uncovering of the relics (1752) of St. Demetrius, metropolitan of Rostov - Commemorated on September 21 Old Style.![]()
![]()
Sainted Dimitrii, Metropolitan of Rostov, arrived at the Rostov cathedral in 1702, and he first of all visited the monastery of Sainted Jakov, Bishop of Rostov (Comm. 27 November and 23 May). At the cathedral church in honour of the Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God he made liturgy, after which before all those present in the temple he pointed out on the right side the place of his future burial with the words: "Behold my repose, here settle I for eternity". Sainted Dimitrii reposed on 28 October 1709 (the account about his life is located under this day). Contrary to the wishes of the saint, expressed in his will, the clergy and people of Rostov requested the locum-tenens of the patriarchal throne, the Metropolitan of Ryazan Stefan Yavorsky, who arrived for the funeral, to make the burial at the cathedral church of the city, alongside the predecessor of Saint Dimitrii, Sainted Joasaph. Metropolitan Stefan, keeping to the will of his deceased friend, insisted on burial of the body of Saint Dimitrii at the designated spot. However, until the arrival of Metropolitan Stefan the place of burial had not been prepared, although from the day of death about a month had elapsed. Owing to the urgent departure of Metropolitan Stefan from Rostov, into the dug-out grave was made an hastily constructed wooden frame, in which on 25 November the body of the saint was buried. This circumstance, foreseen by the Providence of God, led to a quick uncovering of the relics. In 1752 repairs were being done at the cathedral church of the monastery, and on 21 September during repair of the torn-up floor was discovered the undecayed body of Saint Dimitrii. The place of burial was affected by dampness, the oaken coffin and the writing on it were decayed, but the body of the saint, and even the omophor, sacchos, mitre and silken rosary were preserved uncorrupt. After the uncovering of the holy relics many healings were worked, about which report was made to the Synod, – by the order of which there arrived at Rostov the Suzdal' Metropolitan Sylvester and the Simonovsk archimandrite Gavriel for an examination of the relics of saint Dimitrii and the incidents of miraculous healings. There resulted an ukaz (decree) of the Synod of 29 April 1757 concerning the enumeration to the ranks of the saints of Rostov, and feastdays established for 28 October (the day of repose) and 21 September (the day of uncovering of the relics).![]()
![]()
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.
Prayer Is Not Just Talking to God
youtu.be
Discover the true meaning of Christian prayer. In this reflection, Bishop Irenei explains why prayer is not simply a “conversation with God,” but a path to c...
Planned visit to Mt. Athos by schismatic Dumenko sparks division among monasteries
orthochristian.com
The planned visit has reportedly provoked strong reactions within the Sacred Community, particularly given the ongoing persecution of clergy, monastics, and faithful of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodo...
So much for the avowed and boasted de-Communisation of Ukraine!![]()
![]()
Reserve celebrates 99th anniversary of Bolsheviks-created museum in Lavra
spzh.eu
An anniversary is being celebrated by the reserve that has seized the monastery’s churches and holy relics.
LITURGY FOR THE FEAST OF THE PROTECTING VEIL - 14 OCTOBER: Dear brothers and sisters. I am happy to confirm that we will celebrate the feast of the Protecting Veil of the Most-Holy Mother of God in the Cardiff Oratory Church, with the Hours and Divine Liturgy at 10:45 on Tuesday 14 October.![]()
![]()
Many thanks to the Oratorian Fathers.
FIGHTING BLASPHEMOUS THOUGHTS WITH THE CONFESSION OF GOD’S HOLINESS ![]()
![]()
A young person recently asked how to fight the attack of blasphemous thoughts.![]()
![]()
We might learn from the experience of elder St Paisios, and when it starts, say the words of the Trisagion, which are the very opposite of blasphemy and join us with all the bodiless powers of heaven and all the saints in glorifying God and exulting His holiness. ![]()
![]()
St Pasios related that, ![]()
![]()
“One day during the Divine Liturgy, at the Trisagion Hymn, I, with the other monks, was chanting quietly the Trisagion Hymn of Neleos. Then I saw a huge and fearful beast with a dog’s head entering from the door of the Litye. Flames were coming out of its mouth and its eyes! He turned and gave me two gestures of a curse, because I was chanting Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us.![]()
![]()
“I turned to the side to see if anyone else had seen the beast, but no one had. Later I told my Spiritual Father, ‘This and this happened to me.’ Then my Spiritual Father said to me, ‘There, you saw him. That’s him [who is the source of your blasphemous thoughts]. Now, will you stop worrying and be still.'”![]()
![]()
If we keep our peace and quietly pray the Thrice-Holy, we are not alone, but united with the whole Church, both heavenly and earthly, and can equally reflect the angelic hosts in the thrice-holy of the Anaphora Liturgy and burn the demons with its words!![]()
![]()
Holy, holy, holy, Lord of Sabbaoth, heaven and earth are full of Thy glory; hosanna on the highest!![]()
![]()
It’s not simply that we are praising God, but by our confession in the words of the Trisagion, we confront the demons with the terrible holiness of God, as experienced by the Prophets seeing the Lord upon the heavenly throne and hearing the song of the angelic hosts.![]()
![]()
The thrice-holy of the angels must be like lightening or fire to the unclean ones!![]()
![]()
Burn them with it, just as they are scorched and terrified by the Jesus Prayer!
Dear brothers and sisters, Greetings as we continue to celebrate the afterfeast of the Exultation of the Life-Giving Cross, having been greatly blessed by the presence of one of the Oratories relics of the Life-Giving Cross at Liturgy, having already taken the relic to Lazarica for the festal Liturgy on Saturday. Profound thanks to the Father and Brothers of the Oratory....![]()
![]()
Parish News - 29 September - Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com
Dear brothers and sisters, Greetings as we continue to celebrate the afterfeast of the Exultation of the Life-Giving Cross, having been greatly blessed by the presence of one of the Oratories relics o...
Prague: 90th anniversary of Orthodox cathedral with Czech and Serbian hierarchs (+VIDEO)
orthochristian.com
The Liturgy was followed by the opening of a photo exhibition dedicated to the consecration of the cathedral as an Orthodox church in 1935.