Viktor Nikitin

A GRU Major General and a prominent spy, Dmitri Polyakov (1921-1988) revealed Soviet secrets to the FBI and CIA for 25 years and was called "the jewel in the crown" of spies by CIA Director James Woolsey. He was sold out by Soviet spies Aldrich Ames …

Athos is a place of pilgrimage for many Orthodox Christians. What does the Holy Mountain look like through the eyes of a Russian pilgrim, what is the administrative structure of the monasteries there, how does monastic life proceed under the Protecti…

Faithfulness to God’s path means choosing steady, purposeful steps over frantic rushing. It brings balance between action and rest, nurturing inner peace, clarity, and resilience. This patient journey fosters trust in divine timing, allowing growth a…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in November, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 11 serves as a compreh…

In the beating heart of Nigeria, a Soviet military interpreter finds his destiny intertwined with the burgeoning Nigerian Air Force. Amidst the country’s rich cultural tapestry and historical depth, he treads a delicate path of military and diplomati…

This is a story about the author's critical health condition, as he experiences a serious medical emergency, including fainting spells, pacemaker surgery, and subsequent recovery. The timeline begins on June 1, 2025, when the author, losing conscious…

My Discovery of America 1993 – 2004 is a short story of what I have seen and learnt within ten years travelling around the USA and visiting New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls in Upstate New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Falmouth, …

Saint Athanasius, steadfast defender of the Nicene faith, faced relentless persecution from Arians and imperial authorities. Despite exile, false accusations, and church conflicts, he remained a spiritual leader and tireless writer. His courage, wisd…

Monasticism is a profound spiritual path that begins not with changing location but with a sincere, attentive commitment to live before God in one’s current circumstances. True monastic life arises from inner readiness, not escape. Only when this cho…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in January, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 1 serves as a comprehen…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in February, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 2 serves as a comprehe…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in September, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 9 serves as a compreh…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in March, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 3 serves as a comprehensi…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in October, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 10 serves as a comprehe…

In November 1968, despite radio jamming, I recorded the full Beatles’ White Album broadcast on Voice of America in Moscow. This rare opportunity to hear Western music firsthand amidst censorship became a defining cultural moment. The recording symbol…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in April, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 4 serves as a comprehensi…

The Lives of the Scottish Saints catalogs Scottish saints, highlighting their missionary work, local cults, and dedications like churches named after them. It focuses on their influence in Scotland rather than national identity, briefly outlining ori…

This volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in May, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 5 serves as a comprehensive…

This final volume presents detailed lives of Orthodox saints commemorated in December, according to the Julian (Old) Calendar. It offers rich historical and spiritual insights into the saints’ virtues, struggles, and miracles. Volume 12 serves as a c…

True spiritual life thrives in hiddenness, offered quietly to God alone without seeking human praise. Revealing one’s efforts feeds vanity and diminishes their value. Genuine faith trusts God’s unseen gaze, freeing the soul from needing approval and …