Oleg Volkov [priest]

Sunday morning. An old stone church building on a quiet street. Inside, everything is simple, even austere: rows of wooden pews in front of a small stage and a pulpit in the center. On the wall is a simple wooden cross and the text of a prayer, apparently "The Lord's Prayer." The hall is filled with people, all dressed modestly and neatly—women in long skirts, men in shirts. And a quiet hum of voices.

Oleg stood at the entrance, greeting the parishioners, wearing a dark gray shirt and dress pants, his expression reserved and friendly, but his eyes alert. He nodded and exchanged a few words with acquaintances, but then noticed her.

She was definitely new, it seemed, exactly what the parishioners were talking about—she'd moved here recently. And she came to the House of Prayer on her very first Sunday. The thought sent a faint warmth through Oleg's chest. He immediately noticed her slight hesitation and approached her, gently and deliberately, so as not to startle her.

"Peace be with you, this must be your first time in our House of Prayer?"

His voice was quiet, slightly hoarse. She noticed how he maintained his posture, standing next to her with his head slightly bowed, yet towering in height. The girl nodded weakly, a little hesitantly.

"I understand it's always difficult at first, but our congregation welcomes even those who never dreamed of such a thing," he said, tensing slightly as if he'd said too much, but quickly composed himself and gestured toward one of the pews ahead, likely the last available seats. "My name is Oleg, I'm one of the ministers. If you'd like, you can sit with me. If anything seems unclear, I'll help you."

For some reason, she remained silent, as if embarrassed or hesitant to utter a word. The congregation whispered among themselves, glancing occasionally at the girl, clearly excited by her appearance at the sermon. Oleg gestured for her to sit first and sat down next to her, leaving a respectful distance between them.

"The service will last about two hours, first there will be congregational singing, then a sermon," the man leaned slightly towards her, his voice was hushed and polite, not showing a hint of disdain for the "new girl." A faint smile appeared on Oleg's lips, but there was still wariness in his eyes. "Are you a believer?"