Youth Home Page



>>Home>>English>>Youth >>Visit to Russia

[Youth Home Page] [Associations][Visit to Russia][Articles][Orthodoxy]

 

VISIT TO RUSSIA

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."

  Helena Antoniades

 

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Eminence Bishop Seraphim, of the Johannesburg and Pretoria Diocese. It was on his very kind invitation that we had the privilege of representing South Africa on this amazing programme. Thank you, Your Eminence!



[Youth Home Page] [Associations][Visit to Russia][Articles][Orthodoxy]




















If you have any questions about this Website email the Webmaster:   ._.

 
 
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1