Preface of the Chief Editor

Abstract

FOREWORD BY THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF       The year 2023 is becoming a year of obvious changes in the perception of concepts, meanings, and implications that have long seemed obvious and generally accepted. This applies both to state, public, and church life.  In the words of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, "those who truly love the country, their people and culture do not need any ideology. There is no need to invent anything. We already have all the most important things: the richest spiritual and cultural tradition of Orthodoxy, the unique valuable experience of living together peacefully and respectfully with representatives of other nationalities and religions... It is not enough to be proud of history, victories and achievements of our ancestors, to admire the culture and rich heritage of the past. If such feelings are not supported by the experience of tradition, immersion in culture, concrete deeds, it is a dangerous counterfeit of tradition". These words about the importance of tradition also apply to the Church's Tradition, of which liturgical, canonical, and pastoral themes are an integral part. The studies of these topics, published in the next issue of our journal, are intended to demonstrate the relevance of the preservation and study of this Tradition not only for the accumulation of scientific knowledge, but also for the life of our Church today.          Archpriest Alexander Zadornov, Head of the Department of Church Practical Disciplines Moscow Theological Academy