15 September 2024
Conversion to orthodoxy of Fotini
Beloved brothers and sisters, today we celebrated a special moment together with Lan Vy who took the particularly courageous step of joining the Orthodox community. Through the Holy Anointing she received, she has been fully included in the Church and can participate in sacramental life. Also today was the celebration of the feast of The Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross. A cross that Lan Vy voluntarily took up along with her new name Fotini. The decision to do so had happened in her heart a long time ago and the anointing sealed this step. Immediately the start of a new path in her life, a beautiful but difficult path and may God bless and support her every day of her life. Congratulations dear Fotini, we are grateful and together with you and for you also happy in our hearts and hope to keep this joy.
Father Stefaan
10-16 February 2024
Pilgrimage to Maldon 10-16 February 2024
Monastery of St John the Baptist Essex, England
After a four-year hiatus due to the effects of the pandemic, I once again had the fortunate opportunity to spend a week at St John the Baptist monastery in Maldon, England. Simply put: to visit Fr Sophrony Sakharov. And despite the fact that this holy man died in 1993, his presence in the monastery is felt everywhere and in everything.
It is especially awe-inspiring that in our group of 12 this year, there are only three Russian speakers and the rest Belgians and Dutch, and four of the group are on pilgrimage to this monastery for the first time.
I myself have been here eight times and I have never met anyone who did not leave here without being transformed and inspired.
Father Alexander
