Viktor Nikitin

A GRU Major General and a prominent spy, Dmitri Polyakov (1921-1988) revealed Soviet secrets to the FBI and CIA for 25 years and was called "the jewel in the crown" of spies by CIA Director James…

Athos is a place of pilgrimage for many Orthodox Christians. What does the Holy Mountain look like through the eyes of a Russian pilgrim, what is the administrative structure of the monasteries t…

Faithfulness to God’s path means choosing steady, purposeful steps over frantic rushing. It brings balance between action and rest, nurturing inner peace, clarity, and resilience. This patient jo…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in November, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues,…

In the beating heart of Nigeria, a Soviet military interpreter finds his destiny intertwined with the burgeoning Nigerian Air Force. Amidst the country’s rich cultural tapestry and historical dep…

This is a story about the author's critical health condition, as he experiences a serious medical emergency, including fainting spells, pacemaker surgery, and subsequent recovery. The timeline be…

My Discovery of America 1993 – 2004 is a short story of what I have seen and learnt within ten years travelling around the USA and visiting New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls in…

Saint Athanasius, steadfast defender of the Nicene faith, faced relentless persecution from Arians and imperial authorities. Despite exile, false accusations, and church conflicts, he remained a …

Monasticism is a profound spiritual path that begins not with changing location but with a sincere, attentive commitment to live before God in one’s current circumstances. True monastic life aris…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in January, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, …

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in February, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues,…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in September, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in March, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, st…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in October, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, …

In November 1968, despite radio jamming, I recorded the full Beatles’ White Album broadcast on Voice of America in Moscow. This rare opportunity to hear Western music firsthand amidst censorship …

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in April, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, st…

The Lives of the Scottish Saints catalogs Scottish saints, highlighting their missionary work, local cults, and dedications like churches named after them. It focuses on their influence in Scotla…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in May, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, stru…

This final volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in December, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ vi…

True spiritual life thrives in hiddenness, offered quietly to God alone without seeking human praise. Revealing one’s efforts feeds vanity and diminishes their value. Genuine faith trusts God’s u…

The glossary contains approximately 3,500 words and phrases most frequently found in Orthodox literature and is intended for translators, students of religious and secular educational institution…

Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire, was a millennium-long cultural and military bridge between continents, preserving Rome’s legacy and defending Europe against invasions. Far from an impostor, …

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in June, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, str…

Saint John Chrysostom, renowned preacher and Archbishop of Constantinople, endured persecution and exile for his fearless defense of Christian truth and reform. Despite harsh trials, including ex…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in July, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, str…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in August, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, s…

St. Columba’s life unfolds from noble birth and early signs of divine grace through devoted monastic formation and visionary leadership. Founding monasteries across Ireland and Scotland, he bring…

Saint Patrick faced criticism mainly from British colleagues while spreading Christianity in Ireland. Despite attacks and feelings of exile, he persisted in his mission. His writings reveal a str…

Elder Paisius of Mount Athos, born Arsenius Eznepidis in 1924, lived a life marked by deep humility, prayer, and selfless love. Despite severe illnesses and hardships, he remained devoted to God …

This story outlines the history of Christianity in Greece, tracing its origins from Byzantine times through Ottoman rule, national independence, and modern challenges. It highlights the resilienc…

The Orthodox Church, founded by Jesus Christ and the apostles, remains the original, unchanged New Testament Church. It grew from five ancient patriarchates, surviving persecution and preserving …

This essay explores Russia’s complex history, marked by recurring patterns of autocracy, repression, and resilience. From Ivan the Terrible’s reign to the Soviet era and contemporary challenges, …

The Church of Russia, aka the Russian Orthodox Church, or the Moscow Patriarchate, is one of the Local Orthodox Churches, ranking fifth after the Churches of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, …