Orthodox Church Pilgrimage tour advice (best, work, Russian, bank)
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Hi guys, my mother (80yo) is willing to go on a pilgrimage to ROC sacred sites in Europe. Would you give me some advice of what kind of agencies I should look for? I've found a few but maybe you already had an experience with this kind of activities. She has some health issues and I'm worring that she won't receive enough care.
Yes, travel agencies are still a thing, and there are those that specialize in Russia and E Europe.
OP, what countries does she want to visit? Russia is not an option right now. And obviously, Ukraine isn't either, unfortunately. That leaves: Romania (very scenic!), Bulgaria, Greece, part of Poland maybe. Serbia, if she's up for that. I should include Macedonia on general principle.
Have you or she identified what the sacred sites are, yet? Any idea of what she wants to see or how many countries she's up to covering?
Romania has a district full of ancient churches painted inside and out with frescoes. These are a must-see. Package tours, whether group or individual, are available. Romania is charming as all get-out. https://www.mircorp.com/beginner-gui...s-of-bucovina/
Well, so, revisiting your post, I see you're of Russian heritage, Natalia? Did your mother want to visit sites, churches in Russia? The US State Department has cautioned Americans against travel to Russia at this time. They say, Americans, perhaps Westerners in general, could end up being harassed by authorities, and the Embassy wouldn't be able to come to their aid in the current antagonistic climate in Russia.
Are you and your mother in the US or Canada?
It's sad, but it's necessary right now to simply wait for the situation to change, and there's no way to know when that will happen, or if it will ever improve. I realize your mother isn't getting any younger, but there's nothing that can be done, but to wait.
There's this monastery outside of Pskov, a beautiful old historic town as you probably know. Some of the monastery's buildings pre-date the Mongols. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirozhsky_Monastery I'm not sure, but I think the monastery and the ancient buildings of Pskov form a World Heritage Site complex under UNESCO.
This site might be too far away to consider, but it's a beautiful example of the old wooden construction techniques. These monuments of wooden architecture, including an elaborate church, were transported to this location in Russia's northwest, as an outdoor museum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kizhi_Island
Perhaps your mother can enjoy this virtual tour of Russia's sacred churches.
Last edited by Ruth4Truth; 12-03-2022 at 11:39 AM..
Hi guys, my mother (80yo) is willing to go on a pilgrimage to ROC sacred sites in Europe. Would you give me some advice of what kind of agencies I should look for? I've found a few but maybe you already had an experience with this kind of activities. She has some health issues and I'm worring that she won't receive enough care.
Thank you in advance!
Greece has many orthodox churches.
The monasteries of Meteora left awesome impression on us.
Get a few quotes and compare.
The travel insurance would be expensive (age related).
Leave it to a moderator to check OP's listed location! The rest of us aren't so good at seeing the obvious.
When the OP said "ROC" sacred sites, I thought she meant Russian Orthodox Church. It would be good if she would return to clarify some things, so we can help her better.
But in any case, I don't think Russia is feeling too friendly toward Estonia these days. It might be best to avoid Russia, and visit Orthodox sacred sites elsewhere, if her mother would be interested in that.
Well considering the political climate it might not be best idea to visit Russia, Ukraine or Belarus at this time, but considering the OP lives in Estonia there are plenty of orthodox churches to visit in the Baltics, of course they are not as old as in the East Slavic countries, but they are just as beautiful.
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I realize your mother isn't getting any younger, but there's nothing that can be done, but to wait.
