Saint Luke lived a life of asceticism at the Kiev Caves Monastery (Near Caves) in the 13th century, where he faithfully served in the obedience of Steward. Nothing is known about his life prior to his arrival at the Kiev Caves Lavra.

In Ode 7 of the Canon for the Holy Fathers of the Near Caves, he is praised as an “icon” and as one who steadfastly kept the Lord’s commandments.

The Church commemorates Saint Luke on November 6, and again on September 28, together with the Holy Fathers of the Near Caves of Saint Anthony, where his incorrupt relics are preserved.

Those who serve as Stewards at the Kiev Caves Lavra venerate him as their heavenly patron and keep his icon in their cells.

Troparion — Tone 8

The Rozhen Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God (Bulgarian: Роженски манастир "Рождество Богородично", Rozhenski manastir "Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno", Greek: Μονή Ροζινού, Moni Rozinou) is the largest monastery in the Pirin Mountains of southwestern Bulgaria, nestled among the striking Melnik Earth Pyramids. It is one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries that have remained well preserved to this day.

Archaeological evidence of medieval life at the site includes a grave containing coins and ornaments from the reign of Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos (1259–1282). Other discovered artifacts date to the 13th century, while the marble frieze above the church’s central gate is believed to date from the 13th or 14th century. During the time of Despot Alexius Slav, several new monastery buildings were erected. The earliest written record of the monastery appears in a note from 1551 found in a chant book now preserved in the Great Lavra library on…

Hieromartyr Seraphim, Archbishop of Uglich (in the world Semyon N. Samoylovich), was born on July 19, 1881, in Myrgorod, Poltava Governorate. After graduating from the Poltava Theological Seminary in 1902, he served as a missionary and teacher in Alaska, where he was tonsured and ordained a hieromonk. Returning to Russia, he worked in various monasteries and seminaries and became known for his scholarship and compassion, establishing a beekeeping school for orphans and an infirmary during wartime. In 1920, he was consecrated Bishop of Uglich and became a key figure in the “Parallel Synod,” an underground ecclesiastical body formed to resist state control of the Church under Patriarch Tikhon’s blessing.

After several arrests, Archbishop Seraphim was elevated to Archbishop by Patriarch Tikhon and briefly served as Deputy Patriarchal Locum Tenens in 1926–1927. He strongly opposed Metropolitan Sergius’ 1927 Declaration, which sought compromise with Soviet authorities, calling instead for steadfastness in the…

The third of November in the Orthodox Church is the feast of Saint Pimen of Zographou, a humble and gentle monk of the Bulgarian nation, akin in spirit to Saint Ivan of Rila and Saint Dimităr of Basarbovo. Born in Sofia in 1540 after his mother received a vision from the Theotokos, Pimen (then named Pavel) was taught by the elder hieromonk Toma, who trained him in Scripture, chanting, and iconography. After the deaths of his parents and mentor, he sold all he had, gave the proceeds to the poor, and went to Mount Athos, where he was tonsured a monk at Zographou Monastery and given the name Pimen.

At Zographou, Saint Pimen was known for his humility, kindness, and prayer. He endured envy and temptation, yet his meekness turned away malice. Ordained a hieromonk against his will, he served the Liturgy with tears and received gifts of healing and wonderworking. To…