ROCOR Bishop Visits Platina Monastery

Bishop George (Schaefer) of Mayfield, auxiliary of the Eastern American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), has visited the Monastery of St. Herman of Alaska in Platina, California, in what may be the first such hierarchical visit since the Platina Monastery's schism from the ROCOR in the 1980s. During his visit to the Monastery Bishop George was given a tour of the property, including the former cell and the grave of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) of Platina. Bishop George also visited Hieromonk Herman (Podmoshensky), the ailing former abbot of the Platina Monastery who led it into schism following St. Seraphim's death. More here.

Pictured are Archimandrite Gerasim (Eliel), former abbot of the Monastery, Bishop George, and Hieromonk Hilarion, current abbot at Platina.

Quote of the Day: St. Seraphim of Platina

We are told by the Holy Fathers that we are supposed to see in everything something for our salvation. If you can do this, you can be saved.

Quote of the Day: St. Seraphim of Platina

When I became Christian I voluntarily crucified my mind, and all the crosses that I bear have only been a source of joy for me. I have lost nothing, and gained everything.

Quote of the Day: St. Seraphim of Platina

Anyone who is attracted merely by glittering censors, incense and beautiful vestments, he, first of all, will fall down before Antichrist.

St. Paisius of Moldavia

Joyous feast! A life of St. Paisius (Velichkovsky) can be found here. St. Seraphim (Rose) of Platina's thoughts on St. Paisius and his significance in modern Orthodoxy can be found here.

God help you with the start of the Prophets' Fast!