In Autumn

Priest Andrei Polevoy | October 20, 2026

 

 

I love autumn. I love its unhurried pace, its leisurely rhythm, its beauty. I love watching raindrops fall and moisten the weary earth. I enjoy watching the leaves turn yellow and red, and then, against the backdrop of a gloomy sky, the trunks of bare trees stand starkly exposed.

In autumn, life grows still. The day becomes drawn out, seemingly endless—and yet so very short. The night, on the other hand, becomes the absolute mistress of the evening that, not so long ago, lasted much longer.

Autumn is beautiful. Yes, it is harsh, rainy, and at times quite unassuming, but it is beautiful. Beautiful in the coolness of the day and the damp chill of the night. The earth grows cold, reminding us of the approaching winter. It becomes soaked and saturated with rain, which, unlike in summer, can fall for days and nights on end. But what peace autumn brings us! How many thoughts and prayers we offer up during these days! How many wonderful and remarkable hours we spend outdoors, strolling through the familiar and less familiar corners of the city!

And nature? It seems to be falling asleep, shedding its emerald leaves and, having clothed itself in red and yellow garments, awaiting an even harsher winter.

While September and October are still with us, we have time to enjoy the silence, the beauty that God has bestowed upon man. We have time to work on ourselves and reflect upon all those actions and thoughts that have disturbed our peace. To fill our souls with faith and love and direct them toward Him Whom we call God.

Is this not why you were given to us, O autumn,

That we might glorify the Lord, the Creator?!

 

Russian source: https://pravoslavie.ru/180943.html