Winter solstice has come and gone, the days be coming longer each day, although it is yet too soon to notice any change, still, knowing that we are on an upswing, so to speak, makes us feel better. The Divine Liturgy, at least in my opinion, was served well with the greater part of the congregation receiving Holy Communion. When prayers for those who are about to travel were read many came forward for the blessing before travelling to London, Georgia, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia and other parts of the world. Most of the people who come to the monastery will not travel without these prayers for travel and they say that their travels are carefree as a result. It was also heartening to see everyone remain for the reading of prayers after Communion before coming to receive a blessing and antidorin.