In my Christian journey, I've experienced numerous remarkable encounters. You know that feeling when, from the first word with strangers, you already understand each other. Although externally, you might seem very different, you're connected in Christ, and communication flows effortlessly.

This was the case during my trip to Pereslavl-Zalessky. I wasn't alone on this journey, yet my fellow travelers were practically strangers to me. We all went there at the invitation of people I had never met. We were warmly welcomed.

In my blog, I shared my happiness, the fulfillment I felt, narrating how the trip was going, and how wonderfully I was received by unfamiliar people in Pereslavl-Zalessky. People I saw for the first or second time in my life, strangers, yet so hospitable!

I didn't notice anything odd about writing the words "Strangers, unfamiliar people." But then, I received a message from the person who invited me. He wrote, "It's strange that you refer to us as strangers. I thought that if we approach the same cup, we're all brothers and sisters."

In that moment, it hit me like thunder. I realized how close I need to feel to the people around me—precisely how close. Because as long as I separate myself from other members of the Church and people in general, I remain lonely. Even though I find it very comfortable to interact with them, if I don't identify myself with others, it's challenging to identify myself with God, to accept Him as the Father, and others as family. Yet, that's precisely what it is. The Church is my family.

Program "Private Opinion" on Radio Vera: https://radiovera.ru/obretenie-semi-anfisa-skubko.html