Easter in Russia
You clearly don’t need to wear your Sunday Best to go to Easter Service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow
The richness of the ornation within the world of Russian Orthodox and the entire Eastern Church has always fascinated.
The Chruch’s interior reminds me of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, although it’s been retooled into a Mosque.
Putin only had a few words to offer, but no more were needed:
"Easter celebrations in our country have rich spiritual traditions, that unite millions of people, are passed down from generation to generation, inspire good deeds and aspirations.
It is important to note the creative and fruitful work of the Russian Orthodox Church, other Christian denominations, aimed at the preservation of our rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage, strengthening the institution of the family, the education of young people, the establishment in society of such enduring values and moral guidelines, such as concern for one's neighbor, mercy and compassion. Spiritual shepherds have always been with the people. And today, in the face of serious challenges, Christian religious organizations are providing effective, selfless assistance to those who need support and attention."
I always found it odd that the day of Jesus’s birth is always the same while his death and resurrection constantly changes according to the celestial calendar, and my forays into Mythology allow insight into many things. Metaphysically, I’m agnostic but have no real interest in trying to alter other’s beliefs unless they are inhumane or based on falsehoods contrived to facilitate control and exploitation. Faiths and their psychologies are rather fascinating, with Russia being a special case IMO since Russian’s are capable of peacefully sharing faiths, which IMO is a lesson for the world. I must admit missing jellybeans, however.
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My wife is Greek, born in Buffalo NY. My own wedding was your very Dutch Presbyterian equivalent sober wedding. All the other Greek family weddings, baptisms, funerals in Greece and in the US were Orthodox. Alien to me, but one has to be respectful and be a pallbearer when called upon.
For Zelensky to destroy the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, it is not Russian, just Orthodox, is beyond compare. There should be some circles of Hell for when he gets there.
The more I see of Orthodox Christianity the more I like it. That said, coming from a Protestant tradition the iconology is difficult for me. Maybe I need someone to explain it properly. Still, I think there is a better, deeper connection with the first Church Fathers through the Orthodox Church than any other.