This Reminds Me

Between bouts of paperwork, our Buckner guide treated us to tours of three amazing Russian Orthodox churches today.

We first visited the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, the oldest church in St. Pete, and the burial site of much Russian nobility.  We encountered a new treasure with every corner turned, with each angle changed.  We then walked outside, for better views of the architecture, and an up close peek at the frozen Neva River.

“Hurry up, Keith, this is your chance to walk on water.”

I thought, “Okay, we’ve seen the best – now it’s downhill.”  No!  Omigosh, no.  We drove to the Savior of the Spilled Blood church, with an interior perhaps less “showy,” but even more beautiful with its simpler lines, stunning stone work and breathtaking mosaics.

Ceiling of the Savior of the Spilled Blood  - Fortunately, Rachel was not on site to loose a flight of helium balloons.

Finally, we stood in awe of St. Isaac’s Cathedral,our favorite with three smaller active chapels inside.  We’re hoping to actually participate in a worship service there when we return on trip #2 this spring.

The only stained glass in a Russian Orthodox chuch in St. Pete is here at St. Issac’s

As the winds blew and the day progressed, Keith decided he had to purchase – and wear – a Russian hat.  Silly wabbit!  Hats are for wookies.

Just pass the vodka and call him “Boris.”

So, let’s see….stunning architecture…amazing art….church services short enough that you stand throughout….pulpits that are “rarely used”…..acappella singing….  tell me again why we’re Southern Baptist?!

The art was priceless, yes, but tomorrow we meet a real treasure.  She’s six, and we have a Princess Belle doll and a Sponge Bob ball we hope she likes.  A little smile would dim the beauty of the mosaics for us.  So say a prayer, light a candle or just send us a positive vibe that we see one.

Dos Vadanya to you.