Orthodoxy in Russia has been alive since the holy baptism of Prince Vladimir in 988 and over the centuries has become the very heart of the Russian soul. More than 70 million Orthodox Christians live in Russia. The greatness and depth of Russian spirituality is reflected in its holy monasteries, temples and miraculous icons that attract millions of pilgrims. In Moscow, the magnificent Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and not far away, in Sergiyev Posad, stands one of the greatest spiritual centers of Orthodoxy: Trinity-Sergius Lavra, a place where they rest relics Saint Sergius of Radonezh.A special place in the hearts of believers is held by: Diveyevo, with the Holy Canal of the Most Holy Theotokos and the relics of Saint Matrona, Pskov-Pechorsky Monastery, known for the incorruptible relics of many saints, Valaam monastery in the middle of wild Lake Ladoga, whose song still sounds like the voice of an angel, Solovetsky Monastery – an ancient center of asceticism, suffering, and testimony of living faith. Whoever visits Russia will feel how prayer melts with the snow and rises to God.
Ukraine, with 30-35 million Orthodox believers) is the country where the first tree of East Slavic Christianity grew - Kievan Rus. Here, every stone is soaked with prayer, and the rivers with the waves of history. The greatest holy places of Orthodoxy are located here: Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, with catacombs where the incorruptible relics of more than a hundred ascetics rest, Pochaev Lavra, famous for its miraculous icon The Most Holy Theotokos of Pochaev and the feet of the Mother of God which miraculously remained on the stone. Although the country is going through suffering, its holy places still shine like light in the darkness. Whoever comes to Ukraine will feel the prayer that lives despite everything — the prayer that heals and calms.
Belarus is a quiet and pious country where Orthodoxy is deeply rooted (7-8 million Orthodox believers). Ancient monasteries and sanctuaries, surrounded by forests and rivers, exude a sense of peace. The most famous shrines are: Žirovička monastery, with a miraculous icon of the Virgin of Žirovička, one of the most respected in the Slavic world, St. Elizabeth's Monastery in Minsk, known for its vibrant monastic community and great missionary work, numerous old churches in Polotsk and Grodno, where for centuries the sanctuaries of the meek and humble people of Belarus have sprouted. Orthodox Christians are the majority, but they often live under administrative pressure — as silent confessors of the faith.
Moldova, a land of gentle hills and fertile valleys, has preserved Orthodoxy as its greatest treasure since ancient times. Here, monasteries are like fortresses of faith, decorated with frescoes and prayers that have not faded for centuries. The most famous spiritual pearls are: Monastery of Capriana, one of the oldest, where the saint of the Moldavian land served — Saint Stephen the Great, Kurki Monastery, Calm and quiet in their valley, the ancient monasteries of the Orhei region, surrounded by nature reminiscent of the Holy Land. Political divisions sometimes stir the waters, but prayer in these sanctuaries remains holy and pure.
In Latvia, Orthodoxy is practiced by many Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian families who have lived there for centuries. Although a minority, their faith is strong and vibrant. The heart of Orthodoxy in this country is: Holy Trinity Cathedral in Riga, a magnificent temple with a rich history, and throughout the country there are several monasteries and old churches that testify to the quiet but deep piety of Orthodox Latvians.
Estonia is a small but spiritually rich country. Its shrines are like pearls scattered across northern Europe. The most significant shrine is: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn, towering on Toompea Hill, with miraculous icons and lively services, as well as numerous 19th-century Russian churches that bear witness to the history, suffering, and durability of Orthodoxy. The Orthodox here live within two jurisdictions, but their faith unites them — like candles burning with the same flame.
Lithuania, a land of deep forests and ancient fortresses, preserves its Orthodox holy sites with reverence. The most significant among them are: Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Vilnius, ancient Church of the Holy Trinity, where the relics of the Holy Three Vilnius Martyrs — Anthony, John and Eustathius — rest, numerous parishes in Klaipeda and Visaginas, where the Orthodox live together and devoutly. A minority, but peaceful, they are witnesses of faith in a secular world.
