December 7 – PÄRNU. The Temple of the Vmch. Catherine. The Divine Liturgy.
Pärnu, Pärnu maakond 80011 Эстония
December 10 NARVA. Resurrection Cathedral.
Narva, 20308 Эстония
Pilgrimage of Orthodox Believers
Pilgrimage is a long-standing tradition that is revered by all Christians. It was consecrated by the feet of Jesus Christ, who went to Jerusalem with His Mother and the holy righteous Joseph to celebrate Easter. This is stated in the Gospel. Church archiereus, pastors, and monks have followed the tradition of making pilgrimages for many centuries. The pilgrims were also laypeople who wanted to worship Orthodox shrines and read a prayer in front of them.
The protracted period of theomachy has finally ended. The desire of people to make a pilgrimage to the places of the earthly feat of Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Theotokos, and the holy saints of God began to grow. A huge number of believers make a pilgrimage to touch the shrines, to be spiritually healed while visiting monastic monasteries, and to enter into a conversation with like-minded people today as many centuries ago. The number of pilgrimage routes is increasing. Their geography is also expanding.
The way of life of an Orthodox believer necessarily includes a pilgrimage to the main shrines. It is also the starting point of the path to God for many people who need spiritual guidance.
The Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II
“I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.”
Ps. 145:1-2
Pilgrimage: The Importance and Role in Human Life
Pilgrimage aspects
The spiritual enlightenment of a person is a key aspect of the pilgrimage. People who visit the shrines can touch their history and traditions, learn the peculiarities of worship, get acquainted with the saints and ascetics of piety who dedicated their lives to the holy places that are part of the pilgrimage route.
During the pilgrimage, a person gets the opportunity to engage in conversation with the inhabitants of religious communities and ask them for spiritual advice.
Role of Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is of considerable importance in general education. The buildings in which monasteries and temples are located have always been cultural centers. Icons, books, the results of folk crafts, and works of applied art have accumulated in them for many centuries.
Monastic and temple buildings, especially those built before the 18th century, were prime examples of certain architectural eras. That is why the trip of pilgrims is a good opportunity to touch the history, traditions of handicrafts, icon painting, and architecture of the Orthodox World.
Quotes
“As you wander, beware of the idle and lustful demon; for wandering gives him a reason to tempt us.”
St. John of the Ladder
If, when we visit holy places, we do not receive spiritual benefit, then the fault is with us, and therefore we should reproach ourselves, and not blame the place or anything else.”
St. Ambrose of Optina
Pilgrimage Trips
The spiritual work of a person who strives to find something useful for his soul during a pilgrimage trip is at its heart. Pilgrims have the opportunity to worship the relics of the saints, read a prayer in front of the miraculous icons, become participants in the services held at the holy places, and purify themselves in the holy springs.
“Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.”
Ps. 149:1
Quotes
If you are not able to protect the mouth of the slanderer of your friend, then at least beware of communicating with him.
Diligently bring to Christ the labors of your youth, and you will rejoice in the riches of dispassion in old age,...
Those who do not want to stand patiently in the service of God will lose much; but those who stand with patience...
Predilection for temporary life, for health, leads to many deviations from the commandments of God,...
Reviews
I have been pilgrimage 2 times with the Andcross company in Georgia. It was difficult to organize, because there were no pilgrims in Georgia for a long time. But the program was organized for us very diverse and complex. We prayed in the ancient temples of Tbilisi, Mtskheta...
For many years I have been on pilgrimage with the Andcross service. I have visited various trips , but I especially like to visit the island of Valaam, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. There is a special austerity, a special prayer, and a special silence. The organizers of the trip will...
Thank you so much for the wonderful little pilgrimage on August 02 to the Ilyinsky Skete of the Pühtitsa Convent . Everything was very correctly calculated according to the time of arrival from Tallinn, we were in time for the very beginning of the service. Everyone explained...
For the first time I went to the Pühtitsa monastery for the feast of the Pühtitsa Icon of God Mothers-At the source - . Thank you, how well everything was organized ! Marina-the head of the group, helped me, explained everything and showed the whole monastery...
I have been on many trips with pilgrims. We always visit interesting prayed historical temples and monasteries. Thanks to the pilgrimage, I became a church-going person, my views on life have changed, and the Lord helps me. I thank the organizers of such trips for all your good deeds.
Parting Words
You should not try to visit as many shrines as possible in one trip. The main thing is to get joy and find peace of mind during the pilgrimage. To do this, it is recommended to:
- avoid the fuss;
- restrain the condemnation of the neighbor;
- die the urge to engage in idle conversations;
- focus on the main thing and remember the main purpose of the trip.
May the Guardian Angel bless you!