One of the most
interesting stops we’ve made so far has to be the Alexander Sversky Monastery,
and by most interesting I mean simply amazing. We learned so much about the
history of the monastery as well as some history and information about the
Russian Orthodox faith. If I remember correctly, the monastery was originally
constructed in the 16th century (some of the original building still
exists today), and just to be in the presence of such a building was
incredible. To think that this building was standing before my home nation even
existed is quite humbling. These walls have seen years pass by like days and
been around for countless events that have changed the world. I found myself
wondering what the world would look like 500 years in the future… Will the
walls built in today’s age still stand? And if so, how will the world outside
of them have changed? Below is a photo of the first part of the monastery,
inside of which leads to one of the most beautiful collection of frescoes I
have ever seen. Literally every wall was covered with gorgeous, colorful
paintings depicting the story of the Christ. I have also attached the best
photo I took of the inside of the monastery, and you can see just how lovely it
actually is.
The beauty of the
paintings in the monastery was certainly awe-inspiring, but by far the most
amazing part of the trip there was being performed for by four local men who
sang some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. I luckily caught this
recording on video, though the sound from my camera microphone does not do the
performance justice. In real life the acoustics of the monastery allowed you to
almost feel the voices echo in your bones, in your soul. It truly was one of
the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard in my life.
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