The parishioners gathered and the service began.

Father Valery inside the altar.

Photographers aren't often allowed into the altar. Father Valery allowed me to be present in the altar during the service.

His advanced age, however, is taking its toll. Sometimes Father Valery stumbles during the service, and someone who works at the church helps him along. But this doesn't happen often.

Father Valery came out from the altar to the parishioners.

Father Valery speaks simply and sincerely.

At this time, someone puts a candle in the candelabra.

People listen attentively to the priest.

During the Divine Service.

The church service is almost over.

Sincere instruction to a little parishioner.

The rite of communion.

Father Valery sprinkles parishioners with holy water.

Group photo after the service.

After the service ends, the church must be closed until the next service.

We walked around the church and stopped at a grave where one of the clergy was buried.

Living life is not like walking through a field.

At Father Valery's house.

Then we drove not very far from the house where Father Valery lives.

Portrait of Father Valery.

We moved towards the old cemetery.

At the cemetery, Father Valery visited the graves of people he knew and loved.

At the grave of a loved one.

Father Valery traditionally kisses the cross.

Father Valery has a large library in the attic of the church.

Finally, I made another portrait of Father Valery.