Christianity arose in the 1st century AD, and the Jews were the first to adopt the religion. The Old Testament is revered by both Christians and Jews, but only Christians recognize the New Testament. This part of the Bible is considered dominant.
Due to significant differences from other religions, Christianity was not accepted and was constantly persecuted by the rulers and most of the population. Some believers had to go through severe trials, sometimes they were imprisoned, tortured, tortured to death. Such martyrs were counted as saints. A vivid example was Jesus Christ, who accepted the pains of the cross and death, thereby atoning for human sins. But time passed, and in spite of everything, the number of believing Christians increased. Nowadays, Christianity is one of the most widespread religions in the world.
The rise of the pilgrimage
In all ages, Christians as true believers, taking the example of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, who every year on a bright holidayEaster visited the walls of Jerusalem. Initially, pilgrims were considered pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, later they began to call those who wandered from shrine to shrine.
Going on long and sometimes dangerous journeys, the goal of the pilgrims was not only prayer and forgiveness of sins, but also the desire to understand oneself, find grace, and show devotion to one's god. Sometimes the purpose of walking was absolutely earthly: getting rid of mental anguish, from serious illnesses, the desire to give birth to a child, and so on. The pilgrim, taking on the hardships of the road and limiting himself to some earthly blessings, tried to achieve a greater goal.
Pilgrimage now
In today's world, many perceive the pilgrimage as tourism. Even there was such a thing as a pilgrimage tour. What they have in common is the theme of travel.
The main thing in tourism is knowledge, and in pilgrimage - prayer and worship of shrines. Accepting wandering pilgrims within its walls, the Orthodox Church also treats tourists with respect. One of the organizers of the trips is the pilgrimage center of the Belgorod and Stary Oskol diocese, which has been operating since 2007.
Belgorod as a place for pilgrimage
During the period of its existence, the pilgrimage center of the Belgorod and Stary Oskol diocese has developed not a single dozen routes to the holy places not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. It can be both one-day trips and morelong time. Some of the trips are carried out along routes that have been tested over the years, which are most popular with parishioners. Those who wish develop routes on an individual order.
The Pilgrimage Center (Belgorod) organizes trips so that Christians can not only pray and venerate the relics of saints, but also get acquainted with the life and historical facts of the visited monasteries. The cost of such trips is relatively small. The pilgrimage center (Belgorod) regards the payment for a visit to the holy places as a donation to the holy church, which further provides huge financial assistance to the Orthodox kindergarten. With these funds, not once orphans could make a pilgrimage and visit holy places.
The pilgrimage center offers many different excursions. The famous Optina Pustyn, known since the 19th century, is located near the city of Kozelsk. It houses the Monastery of the Savior Not Made by Hands Hermitage. The trip will cost 2950 rubles. It includes a visit to the source, where those who wish can draw holy water.
The Resurrection Convent in Zimovenka is famous for its miracle. There was a brightening of the face on the icons. The monastery is new and arose after the collapse of the USSR. The first nuns began to appear after the enlightenment of the face on the icons in the local church. The tour also includes a visit to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ and the village of Murom, where the relics of the saints are located. The cost of the trip will be 450 rubles.
Pilgrimage Schedule
Pilgrimage center (Belgorod) scheduleis for a year, and everyone can get acquainted with it and plan a journey to holy places.
This journey is very good for the soul. Belgorod offers a variety of flights to holy places. The pilgrimage center organizes interesting excursions with a travel schedule tailored to the interests of pilgrims.
