Re-post: "The Holy Spirit": a 3-part documentary (gratis post - revised)

Russian, with English subtitles

When I first posted this (June 13, 2024), only the first two parts of this superb three-part documentary were available. Now the third hour has appeared, and it’s every bit as good as the previous two. I’m well aware that making this accessible here might be regarded as controversial by some, and I address that below. I judge it in light of its rich spiritual content alone, which is the documentary’s only discernible raison d'être.

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I admit that I had some reservations about sharing the videos below. Not because they present any difficulties in their content, which is quite good, but because of the possible feedback I could get from some readers. The three videos below are a Russian documentary trilogy, with English subtitles. If I didn’t believe they were entirely worthwhile, my natural cautiousness might have prevented me from posting them. But that would have been a bit cowardly on my part, and it would have been to your loss. To be clear on the matter of the war in Ukraine, I am appalled by it and pray daily that sanity will prevail and the conflict end. Now, turning our attention to the documentary —

With stunning visuals and intelligent, integrated conversations, it admirably expresses the Orthodox understanding of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life of discipleship.

What the young man who made it brings out in the elders he interviews is frequently pure gold. I advise attentiveness when watching, and perhaps even more than one viewing. What frames the series is the famous dialogue between Nicholas Motovilov and St. Seraphim of Sarov in 1831. That moving account can be read by clicking here.

Below are the links to the videos. Perhaps they might, in addition to being rewarding in many ways, serve as a reminder that great spiritual wisdom exists, as ever, uncomfortably alongside the evil of men.

Part One can be seen by clicking here.

Part Two can be seen by clicking here.

Part Three can be seen by clicking here.