wfn.org | GOA Registration for Russia Pilgrimage

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
> 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106
> Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237
> Web: http://www.goarch.org  - Email: communications@goarch.org

> Contact: PRESS OFFICE
> Stavros Papagermanos
> pressoffice@goarch.org

National Young Adult Pilgrimage to Russia, April 24-May 2, 2009!
Registration is now open

Garrison, N.Y. ? The Department of Youth aand Young Adult Ministries announced the National Young Adult Pilgrimage to Russia, April 24-May 2, 2009.
Young adults from across the country will experience a unique spiritual and educational journey as they will visit the historic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg on an unbelievable pilgrimage of faith. This promises to be a memorable opportunity to stroll down timeless roads and explore ancient locales of Russia, land of striking beauty, diversity, and magnificent capitals.

The trip begins in Moscow, the heartland of former Imperial Russia. Participants will visit St. Basilâ??s Cathedral in the heart of Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Armory, which houses Russian National treasures, Faberge eggs, carriages, and jewelry. In addition to a sightseeing tour of the city, young adults will visit the Andrey Rublev Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and the Zagorsk Monastery, founded in the 14th century.  The trip will continue to St. Petersburg, the most European of all Russian cities, today one of the most important cultural, scientific, and industrial cities in Russia. Young adults will visit St. Isaacâ??s Cathedral which contains the fourth highest domed construction in the world; the Church of the Resurrection (Saviour of Spilled Blood) which houses 1000 square meters of jeweled enamel; the Hermitage State Museum and Winter Palace of Catherine the Great; the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan inspired by the Basilica of St. Peterâ??s in Rome; and the Alexander Nevsky Lavra Monastery founded by Peter the Great in 1710.

â??Today, Russia is a country of diversity, tremendous vitality and important ecclesiastical significance. Cultural traditions of Russia have re-awakened with a newfound strength,â?? stated Fr. Mark Leondis, National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. After reading of the historic visit of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America to Russia last May, young adults have been eager to visit this incredible country.

Online registration is now open at www.youth.goarch.org. Registration will be limited to 35 young adults and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information please contact the Department at 646.519.6180.

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