The service for the 1st of September

In front of the icon of Saint Sergiy

One can say for sure that almost in every family of our parishioners there are pupils or teachers, that is those for whom the 1st of September is the time when the season of notebooks, tests and homework starts. Therefore, before the beginning of each academic year, when a special service is held, our cathedral becomes more like school: first-graders accompanied by their parents, traditional boukets of asters, etc. Of course, this day is most liked by young parishioners. First they listen attentively to prayers uttered by the priest, and then joyously welcome sprinkling them with holy water and accept wishes for them to grow for consolation of their parents, Homeland and Church. Older pupils, college students, and teachers also come to the church.

All of those starting a new academic year are presented with gifts prepared by the sisters of our monastery. For example, the following set: oil from the relics of Saint Sergiy Radonezhsky who is the patron of all students, a small icon of him which can be placed on the writing desk, as well as his hagiography and an acathistus. Many people know that they can pray to St. Sergiy when having difficulties in studies. When he was a child, in no way could he master reading and writing: he knew the letters, but he wasn't able to put them into words and sentences. But how wonderful is that he only had to appeal to God who gives understanding and who is the source of all wisdom, to receive a clear and precise mind, as well as retentive memory. And now he himself, responding to the wishes of all those who turn to him for assistance, appeals to God for the treasure with which he was endowed himself and helps people to better understand their lessons.