Priest Rodion Sadykov: "For God, the purity of the soul is more important than the purity of windows."

      Acting as the dean of the Zainsky district, the rector of the Holy Trinity Church, priest Rodion Sadykov — about faith without fuss, how to find an hour for Christ in the frantic pace of life, and why the main miracle is the victory of life over death.

      On April 12, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Bright Resurrection of Christ — Easter. — Father Rodion, you have recently become the dean of our district. Tell us a little about yourself: how did you come to faith, why did you decide to become a priest? And is it difficult now, in a new place, to prepare for such a great holiday as Easter? — I was baptized in childhood by my mother, and like most, I only went to church on major holidays. Growing up, gaining life experience, I first thought about entering the seminary after the army. However, the Lord had other plans: for reasons beyond my control, I had to postpone my desire. Only after 12 years, when I had already started a family, had a child, and began helping in the altar on weekends, did that forgotten thought illuminate me again and not give me peace. After meeting with the ruling bishop, I finally confirmed my desire, and since then I have been in obedience to the Mother Church in the priestly rank. Easter is always a joyful event in life, precisely an event that captures all attention in the best sense. I cannot say that it is difficult. Thank God, I have wonderful helpers in the parishes who carry out their duties with firm faith and all love. Also, thanks to the head of the district and his assistants: they welcomed me warmly and are always ready to provide support. This is important and valuable. — For many people, Easter means kulich, eggs, and the beginning of spring. Please explain to our readers: why is this holiday considered the most important in Orthodoxy, and why do people so sincerely rejoice on this day? — Easter (or the Bright Resurrection of Christ) is indeed the main and most joyful holiday in Orthodoxy. For believers, it is not just a tradition or an occasion for a feast, but an event with deep spiritual meaning. Christ was crucified on the cross, died, and was buried, but on the third day He rose from the dead. This is the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and good over evil. For a person, this means hope for eternal life and overcoming the fear of physical death. By His sacrifice, Christ redeemed the sins of all humanity, opening the doors of Paradise for us. — In the last week before Easter, many try to observe strict dietary restrictions. What would you advise ordinary working people who do not have time for long prayers? How to prepare the soul for the holiday? — The main principle of Orthodoxy is not the formal fulfillment of rules, but the state of the heart. Fasting is not a diet or starvation, but a time to "clear a place" for God in one's soul. Think about where your free time goes, set priorities. Let the prayer be brief but sincere. Services during Holy Week take place every day, and each day is dedicated to something. I think everyone can listen to audio on the way to work instead of music and hear what today's day is about. Choose a few prayers from the prayer book of that day and sincerely offer them to the Savior, Who goes to the Cross for us. — Everyone knows that before Easter, kulich must be blessed. But often people worry more about how to beautifully set the table than about why they are going to church. How do you think one can find a golden mean here? — This is again a question of our priorities. What is more important to me: to bake kulich or to be with Christ, who is ascending to Golgotha, carrying the heavy Cross? To share this moment with Him, standing in church, or to wash the floor and feel offended that no one at home is helping? I am not saying that one should neglect the home, but God cares much more about the purity of our souls than the cleanliness of windows. Easter will come regardless of whether you have dust on the shelf or not. But how will I meet the Risen Christ, how will I enter into this joy if in the most difficult moments I could not even find an hour to simply be with Him — with the One who was abandoned by all and endured humiliation for my sake? — "Christ is risen!" — these words are spoken by all believers during Easter days. But some are shy to greet neighbors or colleagues this way, especially if they rarely go to church. Do you think it is worth congratulating everyone on Easter or only those close in spirit? — It is possible and necessary to congratulate everyone on Easter, but with discernment and love. The joy of Easter is given not only to the "own" but to every person. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with greeting people with the words: "Christ is risen!" However, it is important to remember: Christian witness should be tactful. If a person is open — one can speak directly. If he is embarrassed, distant from the Church, or cautious, it is better to simply congratulate him on the holiday of Easter, without putting him in an awkward position. The main thing is not to impose but to share joy peacefully and sincerely. — After a long fast, meat dishes, wine, and many treats appear on the table. How to avoid crossing the line between joy and gluttony? What would you advise those who love to celebrate the holiday "with a bang"? — In Russia, there was a good custom to invite those in need to the table. I think if someone is throwing a grand celebration with such a pious thought — to please others, then why not? But again, everything should be in moderation so that one feast does not overshadow all the efforts we made during the fast. Sometimes we learn restraint for all 48 days, and then in one evening lose everything that the time of restraint gave us. And choose your company wisely, for as the Apostle Paul says: "Bad company corrupts good morals." — How to explain to a small child what Easter is? Many children look forward to this holiday. How can parents tell their children about the meaning of this day simply and understandably? — The very first thing parents need to do is to read the Gospel themselves and understand that the Bright Resurrection of Christ is the day when I am freed from death. Then sit down with the child, open a children's Bible, and tell them that the first people sinned and lost Paradise, many generations awaited the promised Savior, and when He came, out of malice and envy, they crucified Christ. But the Lord rose, destroying the gates of hell. Do not spare the time, come with your child to the service on Great Friday — even if not for the entire service. But even a few minutes will leave a mark on the child's pure soul, and then the words "Christ is risen!" will not be an empty sound for them, but the announcement of the most awaited news!

      — In our district, there are villages without churches. What should those do who cannot get to church on Easter night? How to celebrate the holiday at home so that it is truly meaningful? — You can turn on the live broadcast of the service, but stand not in front of the TV, but by the icons and pray. Or you can and should open the Easter service and pray on your own. On Easter, such joy that all prayers are sung. Find simple melodies and sing. Sing the canon, the hours of Easter. At least just the troparion, or better yet, learn it as a family. Decorate your home icon of the Resurrection of Christ, put kulich and eggs on the table, sing the troparion together, and thank God for reaching this Bright day. And the Lord, seeing your humility, will surely send you Easter joy and comfort.

      Roza Ilaltdinova