With Friends Like These...

Today, right after Akathist, Novice Valentina specifically asked me to go to church tomorrow (even though I usually do). Somewhat perplexed, I sent an SMS text message to Edward, seeking his opinion. He replied:

Either you're sacrifice or you've been deemed worthy to join the weapon-smuggling wing of the KGB tomorrow, and Alex* was out confirming appointment at embassy.

* He's almost always in church, but was not present that evening