Russia Pilgrimage Reflections – St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church
Date: July 12, 2017
Parishioners reflect on their 2017 pilgrimage to Russia, co-led by Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky, expressing gratitude and describing the spiritual and cultural impact of the trip.
Why a Pilgrimage? A Pilgrimage is spiritual travel of the heart, exposing one to special places of religious significance. The traveler is a “pilgrim,” and the experience enriches their life forever, touching their heart to grow in their faith. Pilgrimages are transformational, inspirational journeys where one experiences sacred sites including churches, monasteries and places where saints lived or died, and locations where miracles were performed or witnessed. Pilgrims gain spiritual enlightenment they can put into practice in their everyday lives with a better knowledge of God. St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church pilgrimage to Russia included three priests, Father Steve Tsichlis, Father Harry Pappas and Father Ilya Gotlinsky, and Pastoral Assistant Dean Langis. Our pilgrims numbered 32 followers of Christ, each with their own memories of our journey together. Barbara & Wayne House Previous St. Paul’s Pilgrimages: The Holy Land and Egypt 2011; and now Russia 2017
Barbara & Wayne House Previous St. Paul’s Pilgrimages: The Holy Land and Egypt 2011; and now Russia 2017
Biggest wow: “In the wake of experiencing 70 years of religious annihilation under Communist rule, the great faith and piety found in the Russian citizenry left me in awe more than once. I was moved to witness many deep in prayer with foreheads pressed to icons or even the exterior walls of a closed or crowded church. Built in seven years from over 800,000 small donors and containing mosaic work of 225 amateurs and volunteers, I was amazed at the architecture and prayerful iconography of The Church of the Protection of the Theotokos at Yasenevo. A line five to ten hours in duration extended daily outside Christ Our Savior Cathedral to venerate the relics of St. Nicholas. Most notable perhaps was the persistence and dedication required to turn the secret Butovo Killing Fields into a national shrine commemorating the 20,000 executed including more than 300 New Martyrs for Christ…”
