Old Valaam

"Like Saint Athos, Valaam still shines today. Athos is in the south, Valaam is in the north. In our twilight time, in the encroaching 'night of the world' — beacons are needed. I recalled a bright page — in the past. Recently, as if to strengthen myself, I learned that two novices, whom I happened to meet at Valaam, noted in my book, have accomplished a feat over the years. I found out that they have become 'a light to the world', that they are alive. Valaam gave them obedience. And now, living threads have stretched from 'now' — to the past, this past shines for me. In this light — there is that Valaam, distant. And I thought it would be useful to remember and tell about it: it is still the same, bright" (I.S. Shmelev. Old Valaam. 1933-1936). . .