The Fathers describe Lent as “Radiant Sadness,” two expressions that seem contradictory. This time of the year—the forty days of Great Lent preceding the Pascha of the Lord—forms a period of purification, of distancing from the passions, of acquiring virtues, and of spiritual growth. The old man is invited to “put on the new man” (Eph. 4:24). Lent, while it is joy and a source of joy, is also paradoxically “sadness” because of the Passion and death of Christ. Associated with

The Saturday of the Commemoration of the Departed and the Sunday of the Last Judgement (Meatfare Sunday) form a diptych. On that same Sunday, the second Parousia of the Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated. Copyright La blouse romaine facebook page All Saturdays are dedicated to the departed, according to the recommendation of the Holy Fathers, as recorded in the Triodion: Saturday is the day of remembrance of all the faithful who have piously fallen asleep throughout the centurie

January 2026 January 24, 4:00 PM – Jussey, France February 2026 February 21 – presentation of a charity concert for the Godoncourt Monastery at the Orthodox Cathedral “Saints Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael,” Paris March 2026 March 8 – Romanian Orthodox Parish of Basel March 21 – Romanian Orthodox Parish of Belfort March 22 – Romanian Orthodox Parish of Palaiseau, Paris region March 24 – Bacău March 25–26 – Iași April 2026 April 4–5 – Romanian Orthodox Parish of Avig

Interview selected for the 2026 edition ‘Visionaries of the 21st Century’ of the European journal www.interviewfrancophone.net . Interview Francophone: Quel est votre diagnostic sur les opportunités d'évolution des concepts de spiritualité et bienveillance pour contribuer à un meilleur 21e siècle? Moniale Dorothee: The 21st century suffers less from a lack of solutions than from a lack of inner presence. Scattered, rushed, and saturated with stimuli, human beings struggle to

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ  in the Holy Orthodox Church is celebrated in a manner that is both simple and solemn. “Where do you dwell?” the crowd asks Jesus. “Come and see,” He replies (John 1:39). “Come and see” is the principle of all missionary action in the Church. See for yourselves the spiritual beauty of praise that will lead you to heaven! There is no teaching Church and taught Church. The liturgy is the place of teaching for both priest and fa