About this experience
Pukhtica - a Holy place. In the 16th century, Estonian shepherds witnessed the apparition of the Most Holy Virgin Mary. At the site of her appearance, near an oak tree, peasants found an icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which is now located in the Assumption Cathedral of the Pukhtitsky Monastery. I will tell you the history of the monastery and the acquisition of the icon, explain local customs and rules. You will also learn about the indigenous people and religion of Estonia, about life in the monastery.
Program
- On the way to the monastery, I will talk about Estonia, its division into counties, the indigenous people - the Estonians, the life of simple Estonian peasants: about their traditions, diet (for example, how bread was baked without an oven), hard work, the type of housing, and more.
- You will also learn about the religion of our country: about paganism, which was at the beginning, about Catholic Lutherans, how Orthodoxy came to the country and its main proponents in Estonia.
- You will see all five temples of the Pukhtitsky Monastery. It has a dramatic history - I will definitely tell you about it. Currently, there is a convent led by Mother Superior Filareta, and about 120 nuns and novices live in the monastery. You will learn how the monastery was built, how it was rebuilt, about the monastery's charter, about the former and current abbesses, about monastic life.
- I will also tell you about the Patriarch of All Russia Alexy II, who was born in Estonia - another figure that unites our country with Russia. Thanks to him, the Pukhtitsky Monastery was not closed during the Soviet era. "The meaning of a person's life is in his personal improvement, so that with years he becomes better, kinder. And sows eternal, good in the hearts of people" (Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II)
- At the foot of the mountain where the Virgin Mary appeared to the shepherds, a Holy spring began to flow. In warm weather, you can bathe in it. You will also see the oak tree next to which the icon was found.
As a result, you will discover a significant religious center of Estonia, learn about the religion and indigenous population of the country, understand the features of peasant and monastic life, become acquainted with the fate and influence of Patriarch of All Russia Alexy II in Estonia.
Organizational Details
The distance from Tallinn to the monastery is 190 km. We will go by my car. If there are more than three of you, you can rent transportation for an additional fee.
