It is necessary most of all for one who is fasting to curb anger, to accustom himself to meekness and condescension, to have a contrite heart, to repulse impure thoughts and desires, to examine his conscience, to put his mind to the test and to verify what good has been done by us in this or any other week, and which deficiency we have corrected in ourselves in the present week. This is true fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Behold, through the truth of Christian humility you will be able to achieve victory over every vice, that is by attributing to God rather than to yourself the fact that you have won.
According to the blessing of the diocesan bishop at the founding of Holy Trinity Monastery, the full cycle of services is conducted without omission according to the Church tradition and rubrics. Church services last for almost six hours during a typical work day in the monastery.
On the eve of Sunday or a particular feast day an All-night Vigil is held consistent with modern Church practice, and on the morning of the holy day itself a magnificent Hierarchical Liturgy is celebrated with monastic and visiting clergy participating.
Services are held in the ancient Church Slavonic, using traditional Russian chants performed by the monastery/seminary choir. While standing in the main cathedral surrounded by the byzantine style frescos and icons, listening to the solemn Russian chants, with the sweet smell of incense and beeswax candles, one no longer feels to be on earth, but rather conveyed to heaven.
"through the prayers of our Holy Fathers Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us."
Metropolitan Laurus blessing the people in front of the church
Celebration of a feast in the Holy Trinity Monastery