[aideriimibion]

Christ is in our midst!!!

Dear Friends,

Last night at choir practice, our conductor, who had just returned from Russia after being part of the ROCOR delegation for the signing of the Act of Re-establishment of Canonical Communion, recounted many of his impressions surrounding the events of last week.

He was particularly impressed with the way people in Russia received our delegation with love, gratitude, and enthusiasm. He said that, no matter where they went, when local people learned that they were from the ROCOR delegation, the locals went bananas with excitement. He said that the hospitality with which all members of the delegation, clergy or not, were received was like nothing he had seen before in Russia. There were pious celebrations taking place all over, night and day, and the TV and print media were covering the events surrounding the signing of the Act on an endless basis. According to our choir conductor, it appeared that there was no other news in Russia that week.

Of course, he had a lot more to tell us about the trip, and he did so with obvious joy and wonder. Many of our cathedral clergy were there, as well, and all are reporting similar impressions to those of our choir conductor.

One remarkable thing I heard is that some people in Russia have begun a pilgrimage of thanksgiving. They began walking from Vladivostok saying the Jesus prayer and intend to continue the walk all the way to Moscow.

Is there anyone reading these boards who was there, as well, and wishes to relate their own impressions? Of those who were not there, what news coverage have you seen in your area? Anyone watch the online videos we discussed on the other thread?

Discussions about the controversies surrounding the reunification are rampant in other places on the net. That is to be expected, since this is such an important event in Church history. We certainly do not need to bring up controversies here!

I'd like to hear from anyone else out there who is also awestruck and full of joy over this wonderful event!

[rassedgesse]

Yay! Thank God! This is such an elating post! I am very interested also to read more. I did not watch the videos you mention dear Anna, or news coverage (because I was super-busy that day) about it, but what Father Mosser explained so kindly was a very good information, and your posts were a very good reason to make me happy!

Oh, on Ascension Day after Liturgy, my priest spoke about this news and all the women attending Liturgy were 'oohhing' and 'ahhhing' while hearing it because they did not know at all about it. I felt proud and as an insider (giggles...) because I already knew about it from Father David and you! Thank you!

[eocavrWM]

Christ is in our midst!!!

Dear Friends,

Is there anyone reading these boards who was there, as well, and wishes to relate their own impressions? Of those who were not there, what news coverage have you seen in your area? Anyone watch the online videos we discussed on the other thread?

I live in a 'one horse town' in northern Ontario. The closest Orthodox Church is 2 and a half hours away by car. Yet even here in the forest the voices of the martyrs could be heard, and the warmth of the candles held by the faithful illuminated the sky.

Glory to God!

[biannaruh]

Last week I was given a DVD of footage (probably drawn from Russian satellite TV) from the reconciliation ceremony. I've not had the chance to watch it yet, but I'll try to post my thoughts once I see it.

[aideriimibion]

Dear Friends,

I received links to some blogs by Father John Whiteford about his trip for the Reunification, complete with pictures and other links, that are very interesting. Here they are, in case anyone out there wants to check them out:

http://fatherjohn.blogspot.com/2007/...ip-part-1.html
http://fatherjohn.blogspot.com/2007/...ip-part-2.html
http://fatherjohn.blogspot.com/2007/...ip-part-3.html
http://fatherjohn.blogspot.com/2007/...ip-part-4.html
http://fatherjohn.blogspot.com/2007/...ip-part-5.html