August 6/19, 2016
Feast of the Transfiguration
of Our Lord, God & Savior,
Jesus Christ
Surrounded by darkness
In cozy contentment
A child grows inside
In mysterious confinement
Growing mouth, growing eyes
Growing nose, what surprise!
In a world without windows
What need of such supplies? Continue reading
June 6, Birthday of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin
It has happened to me twice now, so there is no denying its power. We travel today to the Moscow Pushkin Museum on the anniversary of A. S. Pushkin’s birthday Jun 6, 1799 for a concert of poetry and music performed by children of the age of my own. The show begins with a recitation of the great author’s poetry. Just like several years ago when I came for the same event for the first time, I understood not a word of it. But just like then, I still could not help but weep for the beauty of it. Continue reading
Imperial radiance dazzles the heart with images of splendor,
But far from the mind is the hidden world where thoughts rage in a blender.
Royal hindrance needed to stem evil’s tide
To frighten the oppressor and vanquish his pride.
Alexandra whose scepter spans two earthly kingdoms
Fights inwardly, her heart to acquire ancient wisdom.
Gathers radiant virtue, her mind to possess
Offers help to the needy and comforts the distressed.
Until martyred for Christ in her adopted land of Russia
The Queen intercedes for the world and her native land of Prussia.
Like Mendicant Monks... 