Palm Sunday Liturgy & Procession

We got up at 5 am Sunday morning to travel 1.5 hours down to the village of Kolmovka, where we were married in January, to take part in the Palm Sunday liturgy and procession.

We were impressed at how many people were there, many traveling from other villages, and even as far away as Sevastopol. I have commented on the devotion of Russians to Orthodoxy many times in the past. People talk about the Russian “Soul,” something that is hard to describe and I will not attempt to do that here. But, I will say this with absolute certainty, Russia has a soul! It is something you can feel, not only during religious services, but in public events, holidays, historic anniversaries, in their culture, arts, literature, and even government. There is something in Russia that is alive, likened to a “spirit,” or soul if you will.

Since leaving organized religion over 40 years ago, I have found a deep sense of history, tradition, and family in the Russian Orthodox community. I am not talking about theological and moral dogmas, or hierarchy. I’m talking about a faith that is deep and lived.

Since the end of Communism when religion was banned and only survived “underground,” churches and monasteries continue to be built and restored, and they are magnificent. Unlike churches in western Christianity, and in the USA, that are dying, church goers here in Russia are growing in numbers. Services are packed with people of all ages, and families with small children. There are no pews, and people stand for services that last 2-3 hours. The numbers of priests and monks has grown exponentially.

I am no longer “religious,” although I do believe in the Radical Jesus and his teachings. Following his example is a spiritual journey for me, so I am able to share and take part in liturgical events because there is much there that we all share and have in common.