The Story of Volga Vseslav'evich

After Ilya Muromets was healed by the three wanderers, they warned him against ever picking a fight with several famous fellow-warriors. One of those was Volga Vseslav'evich, renowned for his strength, but even more for his cunning. This is his story, a tale filled with deep magic, deeds of renown, and the triumph of virtue over power. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas reads a short essay by Ivan Ilyin about the failures of modern culture, and how a renewed attention to a life of the heart that warms the soul and spirit may be the only way out of our current difficulties. Luckily, it also may be the best way to begin anew the joyful process of cultivating our own selves.