“It symbolizes St. Gabriel’s protection not only of our monastery but of all of Tolochin, and reminds us that we all, regardless of nationality, should carry peace, light, warmth, charity, and mercy,” emphasizes Mother Anfisa.
There is a certain joy and peace that comes to any of us when we take care of our brothers and sisters in need of our help.
Elena Dolgacheva
Olga, surprised at herself, poured out her troubles to old man depicted on the icon as if he were alive.
Hieromonk Nektary (Sokolov)
Many years later she said of this period: “It would have been better for me if I had been in a dark prison for eighteen years instead of living for so many years without faith in Christ.”
St. Gregory of Nicomedia
Today, the gates of the King, impenetrable to all humanity, are established and prepared for His incomprehensible passage through them, and to us, they prepare the heavenly gates, now made passable.