Two Russian islands named after Sts. Innocent of Alaska and Nikolai of Japan
https://orthochristian.com/173463.html

Both saints made significant contributions to the spiritual education of the peoples of the Russian Far East and to the missionary activity of the Russian Orthodox Church within and beyond Russia.

Life of the Venerable Elder St. Sebastian (Fomin), Confessor of Karaganda
https://orthochristian.com/173460.html

Part 1. Monastic formation and imprisonment

Father Sebastian later recalled his time in the camp: “They beat and tortured us, demanding only one thing—that we renounce God. I said, ‘Never.’”

Metropolitan Joseph of USA leads feast of St. John of Rila at Rila Monastery
https://orthochristian.com/173467.html

The feast of St. John of Rila, the Heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people and founder of the Rila Monastery, was solemnly celebrated on October 19 at the historic monastery bearing his name.

40th anniversary of episcopal consecration of Metropolitan Longin of New Gračanica
https://orthochristian.com/173466.html

His Eminence was consecrated to the episcopacy on October 20, 1985. He has served in Serbia, Australia, Croatia, and America since 1998.

Donate to Alaskan priest who lost home in flooding
https://orthochristian.com/173468.html

Fr. Noah Andrew and his wife Matushka Anastasia of Kwigillingok, Alaska, have lost their home, personal belongings, and subsistence in the devastating flooding that struck their village earlier this month.

Bulgarian Synod praises steps towards mandatory Orthodox class in high school curriculum
https://orthochristian.com/173486.html

Religious education has been offered as an elective subject for many years, but church leaders and supporters have continued to call for its integration into the core curriculum.

ROCOR celebrates feast of St. John’s Relics with newly composed service (+VIDEOS)
https://orthochristian.com/173489.html

The wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, before which St. John reposed in 1966, was also present for the celebration.

Life of the Venerable Elder St. Sebastian (Fomin), Confessor of Karaganda
https://orthochristian.com/173462.html

Part 2 The Elder’s Spiritual Life in Karaganda

Father Sebastian was exceptionally gentle and tactful. Around him, there seemed to radiate a moral atmosphere so pure that crude words or base actions became impossible.

Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates centenary of Russian Monastery in Hebron
https://orthochristian.com/173495.html

Following the Liturgy, a procession took place to the ancient Oak of Mamre, where a supplication was offered.

Orthodox AI launched by Greek Orthodox metropolis
https://orthochristian.com/173490.html

The Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion, and Chalkidona has unveiled ΛΟΓΟΣ – LOGOS, the first AI-powered tool designed to provide Orthodox Christians with accurate guidance on theological, ecclesiastical, and spiritual matters.

Metropolitan Tikhon leads 110th anniversary of St. Vladimir Church in Trenton (+VIDEO)
https://orthochristian.com/173487.html

Founded in October 1915 by approximately thirty Russian immigrants, St. Vladimir Church has served generations of Orthodox faithful in Trenton and the surrounding area.

Iconography of St. Ambrose of Optina
https://orthochristian.com/173491.html

Zhanna Kurbatova

The iconography of St. Ambrose of Optina is based on the icon painted for his canonization. That icon, in turn, was created from both portraits and photographs of the saint.