Russian-American Connection

On August 1, 2026, we were very honored to witness the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Patriarch Kirill beneath the open sky before the Transfiguration Cathedral at Holy Trinity–Saint Seraphim Diveyevo Monastery. The solemn feast honored Saint Seraphim of Sarov and marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of the second finding of his sacred relics. More than twenty bishops, numerous clergy, the sisters of the monastery, and a multitude of pilgrims gathered around the altar as the Diveyevo choir filled the holy grounds with sacred chant. The Governor of Nizhny Novgorod, Gleb Sergeyevich Niktin himself welcomed the Patriarch at the Holy Gates. During the Liturgy, special petitions were offered, and the Patriarch raised a prayer for Holy Rus before preaching to the faithful. He concluded by blessing the assembled pilgrims, presenting the monastery with an icon of Saints Peter and Paul, and giving a copy of the Holy Gospel to every sister of Diveyevo. It was an absolutely joy to witness and hear the chant. You can hear a little of it in the video. I cannot recommend this holy place enough and the right people to help you arrange a tour here is the OKA Agency.* *The OKA Agency guarantees 100% confidentiality and an individual approach to every foreign national. —— 1 августа 2026 года мы имели честь присутствовать на Божественной литургии, которую Патриарх Кирилл совершил под открытым небом перед Преображенским собором Свято-Троицкого Серафимо-Дивеевского монастыря. Это торжественное богослужение было посвящено памяти преподобного Серафима Саровского и приурочено к 35-летию со дня второго обретения его святых мощей. Более двадцати архиереев, многочисленное духовенство, сестры обители и множество паломников собрались у алтаря, а дивеевский хор наполнял святую землю духовными песнопениями. У Святых врат Патриарха встречал лично губернатор Нижегородской области Глеб Сергеевич Никитин. Во время литургии были вознесены особые прошения; Патриарх помолился о Святой Руси, а затем обратился с проповедью к верующим. В завершение он благословил собравшихся паломников, преподнес в дар монастырю икону святых апостолов Петра и Павла и вручил экземпляр Святого Евангелия каждой сестре обители. Было истинной радостью видеть это и слышать песнопения. Небольшой фрагмент можно послушать на видео.

SACRED ARZAMAS Some cities reveal themselves through their streets. Arzamas reveals itself through its churches. Golden domes rise above the rooftops, bell towers shape the skyline, and behind heavy wooden doors are interiors filled with icons, candlelight, color, and centuries of devotion. Yet the churches of Arzamas do not feel like monuments preserved only for visitors. They remain living places of worship and an essential part of the city’s identity. During my visit, I was struck by the contrast between the grandeur of the architecture and the sense of peace found inside. Every church has its own character, but together they tell a larger story about faith, history, and the generations of people who built and cared for this remarkable city. This short film, Sacred Arzamas, is my attempt to capture more than beautiful buildings. It is an effort to preserve the atmosphere of a place where history remains visible, tradition remains alive, and even the skyline seems to pray. Discover Arzamas and more of the Nizhny Novgorod region through the OKA Agency: https://en.oka-agency.com/?utm_source=telegram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=blog_tour_arzamas_2026&utm_term=moscow_photographer #Arzamas #NizhnyNovgorodRegion #SacredArzamas #OrthodoxRussia #TravelRussia

It's that time again! ☦️ https://t.me/nn_eparhia/9156