Day by Day

The daily readings here are based on the contents of an anonymous book titled Day by Day, a little book from pre-revolutionary Russia published in 1908. This valuable work has now been translated into English in the hope that it will be a valuable daily meditation for all.

As the title suggests Day by Day consists of a series of short spiritual writings for each day of the year. Each brief meditation is capable of inspiring and influencing the human soul toward a salfilic Christian life, towards embracing a podvig – this uniquely Russian word translates as “an obedience: to achieve something extra or extra special, an action over and beyond measure."

This work has been lovingly translated by Ludmila (Lucy) Shah, who reposed not long after completing this work. Her intention was for this to be made broadly available, and become a guiding light for all Orthodox people.

For many years this was also the hope and heartfelt desire of Father Nicholas (Pekatorsk), the dearly beloved Archimandrite in the United States of America, who was the rector of St. John the Forerunner Cathedral (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia). It was he who provided the original text in the Russian language.

Here is a note from Lucy:

"This English language translation was inspired by my desire that our children and grandchildren be able to glean the spiritual seeds in a language which they understand. This translation is dedicated to my mother, Lydia, my husband, Alexander (without whom my life would not have been worthwhile), to my children: Catherine, Anthony Alexander, Mary, and Richard – all who have brought more joy then they will ever know without even trying (and put everything into perspective). Also, to my grandchildren: Stephanie, Christopher, Anna, Christina, all who light up my life and lift up my soul. They are the reason we must keep striving to achieve God‘s will."

It is now our hope that by providing this in this mobile format this content will be freely available to many, in a format that enables easy daily consumption.

Let this effort serve as our humble offering to the Lord God in memory of both Archimandrite Nicholas and Ludmila Shah, the latter who worked tirelessly on this from her death bed to bring us this benefit.

May their Memory be eternal!

I pray this little seed brings a bountiful harvest.