Last Saturday, I happened upon this perspective of the city's biggest cathedral. I had just emerged from the tram and was heading into the market. This magnificent building, the *Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin* is the area's largest Russian Orthodox church and on three sides, it's surrounded by the booths and kiosks of Central Market, quite a contrast to the breathtaking architecture.
Another view of the cathedral, taken a couple of winters ago. The sun hitting off the gold cupola was brilliant. I wished that mid-day sun would swing around over here and hit off the north side of the building. Maybe next summer, mid-June around the summer solstice when the sun is high in the sky, maybe then I'll try this shot again. I'm jotting that down in my Day-Timer right this minute. . .Anyway, when approaching Rostov-on-Don from the south, driving in across vast expanses of the Don steppe, the cathedral is visible for miles. Each time I see it, my pulse quickens and I wish it were possible to capture the view and do it justice. But alas, cameras have their limitations.
Have you been inside a Russian Orthodox church? Is there one that takes your breath away, perhaps, or that you find particularly interesting? I'm listening!
7 comments:
Beautiful! Thanks for the photo Eileen. Rostov appears to be a very nice city that is not being overdeveloped.
Hi
Thank you SO much for coming to my blog. I hope you enjoyed it. Subscribe so you can get it delivered straight to your mail box.
I was SO excited to find your blog. I can't wait wait to read through your blog.
We actually adopted our daughter from the Kemerovo Region [not far from you]. We flew in to Novokuznisk [I know I misspelled that].
Thank you so much for your comments. You put a smile on my face today.
Tiffany Colter, Writing Career Coach
Hello Eileen! Yes, I've been inside several Orthodox cathedrals, and not just to gawk, but to participate in the service. Last year in Samara I stood for the whole 2.5 hours without having to retreat to the granny benches in the back. I can still vividly recall one particular experience in Moscow in 2003. My Russian friend and I were walking from the Red Square area toward the Tretyekov gallery (sorry for the misspelling) and went into the church we passed by in order to get shelter from the rain. The service was already underway. At one point, the choir began to sing. I couldn't see them, but the voices filled the room and went straight into my soul. I honestly thought a pipe organ was accompanying the singers...but of course that wasn't the case. Tears streamed down my face as the worship brought the presence of God closer than I had felt in years. I knew then that my soul would forever be connected to Russia.
By the way - I wrote a long reply about CCC in Samara - but I see it never made it to the blog. Did you get it?
Beautiful pictures Eileen.
Hello John, I'm interested in your comment that Rostov does not seem to be over-developed. Almost 2 million people and growing as fast as Moscow, someone said, thanks to all the influx of folks from other republics of the former USSR - here to find jobs and all. Lots of potential, that's for sure. Thanks for stopping by. Oh, and by the way, do you frequent *English Russia* too? I spotted a comment from you over there. Quite a site, huh? Well, take care, EE
Hello Gmburka, Why, THANK YOU! So glad you like these photos! =) E.
Hello Tiffany, Thank you for your comments. I know you're so busy with all your writing, kids and...fires to put out. ;) The locations you mentioned here where you connected with your little girl - these are places, I must confess, that I've got to look up! But look them up I will! Thanks again for your comments and your great blog. I'm thinking quite seriously about signing up with you for some writing coaching.
Hey Jeanette, *Granny benches* - now That's a good term that I'll have to borrow sometime. Yes, magnificent inside those orthodox churches. Beautiful singing isn't it?! All a cappella and the acoustics are exquisite. Something about the Russian harmony is haunting...a music expert friend who understand such things said that it's because a lot of Russian music is written in minor keys. Yes, listening to such voices, it's easy to see how it is that God loves to hear our voices in praise to Him. Are you absolutely serious that you stood 2 1/2 hours? Oh my my my. Jeanette, by the way, your earlier comment I didn't publish earlier...because, because I was thinking that you prefered that I Not publish it. (since it has some contact information on it - which by the way, I couldn't find a way to delete from the comment without deleting the whole thing. Okay got that settled. Thanks for stopping by! =) E.
Eileen, Yes I'm a regular at EnglishRussia. My comment about Rostov is based on a magnificent series of photos posted in the "Cities" section of the Forum on EnglishRussia. To view the photos one must be registered on the site. The photos are all large and high-resolution. Definitely worth a look.
Thank you John for that information about EnglishRussia. I'm definitely going to want to have a look at those photos. I had No Idea! =) Thanks again, E
Post a Comment