Church and State

One aspect which is of particular interest to me is the Russian Orthodox religion and the many, churches, monasteries and convents which have a significant influence on the history and culture of the country. Today’s outing takes us to the Sergiev Posa, considered to be the spiritual center of Russian Orthodoxy and Russia’s greatest monastery. Russian Orthodoxy is a Christian religion and follows many of the catholic traditions and beliefs. The one exception being  that priests are allowed to marry and have families though there are monks who practice and many will live in monasteries such as this.   Home to two cathedrals and 300 monks, the many domed gold onion steeples are a pilgrimage destination to the many believers, and the enthusiasm they bring to make their pilgrimage is really quite astounding. The bowing, and making of the cross, as they line up for hours, gives testament of the homage of St. Sergius and the kissing of his casket of his tomb.

The ride back to Moscow is long and frustrating. Moscow is known for having the worst traffic in the world and despite the evidence of new infrastructure ever present, it nevertheless is painful.

Moscow by night is stimulating and a float down the Moscow River is breezy and cool. Our open air boat takes us for a 45 minute, up and down return trip, featuring the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral in full illumination while throwing in a fireworks display for good measure.  Many of the city’s more important historical buildings and bridges are brightly featured and project an image of a modern and vibrant culture. Additionally, a stop at a military remembrance park for a little government propaganda does not go unnoticed.