At first the thought of going to the great Russian continent on a
pilgrimage with strangers sounded like a rather daunting task. However,
my views were soon to have a drastic change as I was greeted by the
friendly smiles of an unknown world. Upon arrival in Moscow we were
whisked off to our first place of residence (in a taxi ride of death,
mind you!) at the Synodal Department of Youth at Krutitsky Podvorye.
My first impression of Russia was really not a great one. The accommodation
wasn't exactly a Tsars palace, only a select few people spoke any
English and the food was awful, and unfortunately didn't improve
later on as expected!). However, the sun shone, the stunning countryside
wasn't dominated by snow (contrary to popular belief) and the Russians
welcomed us with open arms and great smiles. They truly helped soothe
the tiredness after a 15 hour journey!
My sister and I were the only two people from the Southern Hemisphere
and certainly sparked off a large amount of concern as to why our
skins weren't black. We were joined by 45 other pilgrims- representatives
from Russia, Greece, Netherlands, Lebanon, Syria, Poland and later,
China. This pilgrimage was organized by Syndesmos-The World Fellowship
of Orthodox Youth. Syndesmos is the only active pan-Orthodox institution
in the world, and as such it has been able to serve as a catalyst
in diverse areas.as I was soon to find out on my embarkment of an
amazing adventure.
The main stages of this holy pilgrimage took place in the cities
of Moscow, Kolomna, Riazan and Vysha and was characterized by prayers
in many ancient churches, visits to theological schools, sleeping
in monasteries and convents, exchanges of culture and traditions
at various campfires and swimming in rivers to keep clean.
The churches we did see were undergoing extensive restoration works
as they had only recently been given back by the state. The communists
left behind a legacy of disrespect and desiccation. Many 15th
century churches were used as garages, icons destroyed, churches
blown up, and worst of all, the religious persecution of believers.
It is believed that God
allowed this tragedy to happen because of the weakness of the faith
of His people. The bravery of these martyrs whose faith stood the
test are now canonized. (a thousand last year alone). We venerated
the relics of older saints and sung in heavenly chorus to the Lord
our God in places of sacred worship and much appreciated religious
freedom.
We were introduced to a treasure of Russian history of Christianity
by places such as the Novo-Golutvin Convent, Theophany and Holy
Trinity Parishes, Staro-Goluvin Seminary, Mother of God of Tikhvin
Cathedral, St John the Theologian Monastery, Solotcha Monastery
of the Nativity of the Mother of God (reached by trudging through
grasslands of the Oka on a 4 hour hike while eating wild strawberries!),
Vysha Dormition Convent, St Nicholas Parish and having Divine Liturgy
in the Dormition Cathedral.
One of the most amazing experiences of my life took place at a
Holy Water Spring whereby one is submerged, naked, in water as cold
as 4C, 3 times.
This trip was truly extraordinary and I gained so much through
my experiences. I grew spiritually and have been drawn closer to
the Holy Spirit that reigns supreme within us all.
As in the word's of Bishop Theophan the recluse: "Remember
that one thing is most necessary of all: to pray and to pray unceasingly
in your mind and heart to God."
