Daniel Meyers

Pilgrimage as a way of life of an Orthodox believer

Pilgrimage has long been revered throughout the world. Orthodox pilgrimage sites in Russia, filled with sources of holiness, annually receive thousands of travelers who wish to be enriched by spiritual growth through contact with holy places.

The pilgrims, or as they were called in Russia, the God-followers made the journey on foot, in fasting and prayer overcoming the hardships of the journey to grow spiritually as they approached the shrine.

In the fourth century, by order of Queen Helena, the Life-Giving Cross on which Jesus was crucified was found. This event caused a stir among Christians, many of whom went on pilgrimage to the holy site in Jerusalem.

Veneration of the places associated with the Savior's stay spread throughout Palestine, which became known as the Holy Land. At the pleasure of Constantine the Great, pious excavations were carried out throughout the country, which continue unabated to this day.

A special pilgrimage boom in Russia began at the beginning of the twentieth century, which radically affected people's lives. Russian shrines, God's people, elders, and ascetics attracted pilgrims who wished to strengthen their faith and purify themselves from filth. Today, after a short break, pilgrimage is gaining popularity again, and this can be seen if you go to the website https://andcross.ee/, which widely presents all the possible activities that take place and are planned.

Pilgrimage gave an impetus to the development of the tourism business, which facilitates movement between cities and countries, saving the efforts and time of the pilgrims. While pilgrims used to sacrifice time and convenience, today's Christians pay the money earned by sometimes hard work.