Our trips
Our trips
As part of the activities of our association, we organize trips where participants get acquainted with the history of Orthodoxy in Europe, visiting holy and cultural-historical places, museums:
As part of the activities of our association, we organize trips where participants get acquainted with the history of Orthodoxy in Europe, visiting holy and cultural-historical places, museums:
On Saturday, 31.08.24, a spiritual and educational trip dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the memorial day, Andrey. (memorable day - 05.09).
On a memorable trip, we invited members of our association, as well as everyone who is member of the Holy Trinity Church of the city Bern. It was very touched that so many people went on this trip - there were 100 of us!
The trip took place in the days of the feast of the Assumption of the MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, and of course we really wanted to especially honor and pray to the Mother of God🙏 That is why we went to the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross, where there is a particularly revered image of the Mother of God «Speeding listener». The list of the miraculous image was presented to the cathedral by the abbot of the Athos St. Andrew's skete.
The trip turned out to be really memorable... so beautiful cathedral, all together, we sang the Akathist of the Mother of God in the cathedral... and saw and learned so much about Christianity in Geneva 🙏
On a memorable trip, we invited members of our association, as well as everyone who is member of the Holy Trinity Church of the city Bern. It was very touched that so many people went on this trip - there were 100 of us!
The trip took place in the days of the feast of the Assumption of the MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, and of course we really wanted to especially honor and pray to the Mother of God🙏 That is why we went to the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross, where there is a particularly revered image of the Mother of God «Speeding listener». The list of the miraculous image was presented to the cathedral by the abbot of the Athos St. Andrew's skete.
The trip turned out to be really memorable... so beautiful cathedral, all together, we sang the Akathist of the Mother of God in the cathedral... and saw and learned so much about Christianity in Geneva 🙏
On May 18, 2024, a spiritual and educational trip to the holy places of central Switzerland took place. We arrived in the city of Lucerne, where we visited the Old Catholic Cathedral of Christ the Savior. In this church, the Orthodox parish of St. Theodosius of Pechersk is located, the liturgy was served and the patronal feast was celebrated. After the service, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch in the church refectory.
Then our journey continued to the city of Engelberg (angel mountain), where we visited the monastery. The Angel Mountain Monastery, founded in 1120, where prayer has not stopped for a single day since its foundation, has an interesting history and shrines dear to every Orthodox Christian’s heart.
In the treasury of the altar of the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God there is a piece of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. Mary of Egypt. In the front limit, an open reliquary with pieces of the relics of St. Verena, St. Mauritius, and in the center, the relics of the Roman martyr St. Eugene, which are opened for veneration annually on October 22.
A tour of the monastery was organized, where we saw the treasury of the temple altar, the largest organ in Switzerland, and also looked inside the monastery, where visitors have a guest block, a hall with ancient books (from the third century) and a Baroque hall.
At the end, we all gathered in the church and collectively sang the Akathist to the Archangel of God Michael.
After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with a handmade souvenir «angel».
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in a spiritual song🙏
Then our journey continued to the city of Engelberg (angel mountain), where we visited the monastery. The Angel Mountain Monastery, founded in 1120, where prayer has not stopped for a single day since its foundation, has an interesting history and shrines dear to every Orthodox Christian’s heart.
In the treasury of the altar of the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God there is a piece of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. Mary of Egypt. In the front limit, an open reliquary with pieces of the relics of St. Verena, St. Mauritius, and in the center, the relics of the Roman martyr St. Eugene, which are opened for veneration annually on October 22.
A tour of the monastery was organized, where we saw the treasury of the temple altar, the largest organ in Switzerland, and also looked inside the monastery, where visitors have a guest block, a hall with ancient books (from the third century) and a Baroque hall.
At the end, we all gathered in the church and collectively sang the Akathist to the Archangel of God Michael.
After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with a handmade souvenir «angel».
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in a spiritual song🙏
On March 16, 2024, a spiritual trip to the holy places of Alsace took place. Our journey began in Basel, from where a group of 50 people set off by bus. The group was spiritually accompanied by priest Vladimir from the Berne parish.
Our route took us towards the Vosges Mountains of France. There we visited the monastery of St. Odile, where Father Vladimir spoke about the life of St. Odile, the history of the monastery and served a prayer service for Health at her relics, where we prayed together. Afterwards, those who wished went down to the source of Saint Odile, located in the vicinity of the monastery and the Vosges Mountains. And at the end, a delicious lunch awaited everyone.
Then our journey continued to the city of Eschau, where we visited the Church of St. Trophimus. We prayed and sang together the Akathist of Holy Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia at the relics. Lithia was also served. After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with an icon with an ancient image of the Saints Faith, Hope and Love and their mother Sophia.
Next, our path lay to Strasbourg, where we visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Notre-Dame (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg), and also looked at the old city and the “Little France” micro-district.
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in chants 🙏
Our route took us towards the Vosges Mountains of France. There we visited the monastery of St. Odile, where Father Vladimir spoke about the life of St. Odile, the history of the monastery and served a prayer service for Health at her relics, where we prayed together. Afterwards, those who wished went down to the source of Saint Odile, located in the vicinity of the monastery and the Vosges Mountains. And at the end, a delicious lunch awaited everyone.
Then our journey continued to the city of Eschau, where we visited the Church of St. Trophimus. We prayed and sang together the Akathist of Holy Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia at the relics. Lithia was also served. After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with an icon with an ancient image of the Saints Faith, Hope and Love and their mother Sophia.
Next, our path lay to Strasbourg, where we visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Notre-Dame (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg), and also looked at the old city and the “Little France” micro-district.
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in chants 🙏
On August 26, 2023, a spiritual trip to Bad Zurzach and Lenzburg took place. The purpose of our route was to visit the tomb of the Holy Righteous Verena of Zurzach (Solothurn) and the museum of ancient icons (16-19th centuries).
Our journey began in the city of Olten, from where our group of 50 people set off by bus. On the way, a short introductory story about St. Verena was presented, and then we listened and prayed the akathist to the Mother of God "Fadeless Color". (The icon of which traditionally accompanied us on the way). Upon arrival in Bad Zurzach, in the crypt of the church of St. Verena, we were met by Father Vladimir and the church servant, nun Mary.
Father Vladimir told the story of the life of the Holy Righteous Verena, and then served a Prayer for Health. Each pilgrim had the opportunity to venerate the relics of the Saint Verena, which were brought to the crypt especially for our group. A memorial service was also served. Prayer filled hearts with quiet joy and warmth... everyone lit a candle in their hands, we sang and prayed together...
The second part of the program began with a delicious meal and continued on the way to Lenzburg. We visited the Burghalde Museum, where in addition to the halls of the rich history of Lenzburg (15,000 years), our group was guided by a Russian-speaking icon-painting expert in the halls with a unique collection of icons from the 16th-19th centuries.
Under the vivid impression of the past day, we set off on our way back, glorifying the Mother of God in hymns 🙏
Our journey began in the city of Olten, from where our group of 50 people set off by bus. On the way, a short introductory story about St. Verena was presented, and then we listened and prayed the akathist to the Mother of God "Fadeless Color". (The icon of which traditionally accompanied us on the way). Upon arrival in Bad Zurzach, in the crypt of the church of St. Verena, we were met by Father Vladimir and the church servant, nun Mary.
Father Vladimir told the story of the life of the Holy Righteous Verena, and then served a Prayer for Health. Each pilgrim had the opportunity to venerate the relics of the Saint Verena, which were brought to the crypt especially for our group. A memorial service was also served. Prayer filled hearts with quiet joy and warmth... everyone lit a candle in their hands, we sang and prayed together...
The second part of the program began with a delicious meal and continued on the way to Lenzburg. We visited the Burghalde Museum, where in addition to the halls of the rich history of Lenzburg (15,000 years), our group was guided by a Russian-speaking icon-painting expert in the halls with a unique collection of icons from the 16th-19th centuries.
Under the vivid impression of the past day, we set off on our way back, glorifying the Mother of God in hymns 🙏
On the 17th In June 2023, a spiritual trip to the Exaltation Monastery near the city of Lugano was organized for a group of 27 people.
The purpose of our trip was a meeting and conversation with the older Schema-Archimandrit Gabriel (Bunge).
The route began in Lucerne, from where we all left together with the bus in a good mood. Spiritually, our trip was fed by a priest, Father Vladimir.
Our path ran through the central part of Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and was accompanied by a useful story: first the story of the Monastery of the Holy Cross and its governor, Schema-Archimandride, Father Gabriel (Bunge), and then the story of the first Christian martyrs of the Roman Empire, Saints Felix and Regula, whose relics are located nearby.
The icon of Our Lady «Fadeless Color» traditionally accompanied us on the journey, and we prayed and sang her Akatist. When we arrived in Roveredo, we began to climb the mountain to the monastery, where they were already waiting for us.
On the porch of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, Schema-Archimandride Gabriel had a two-hour spiritual conversation with us. Various topics were addressed, including prayer for a layman, confession, fighting with passions and so on. After the conversation, we prayed at the evening service and in the end the elder anointed everyone with holy oil and everyone received a book written by him.
After accepting the blessing of Father Gabriel, inspired by the conversation and the common prayer, we went home in the hope of returning to this blessed place once again. 🙏
The purpose of our trip was a meeting and conversation with the older Schema-Archimandrit Gabriel (Bunge).
The route began in Lucerne, from where we all left together with the bus in a good mood. Spiritually, our trip was fed by a priest, Father Vladimir.
Our path ran through the central part of Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and was accompanied by a useful story: first the story of the Monastery of the Holy Cross and its governor, Schema-Archimandride, Father Gabriel (Bunge), and then the story of the first Christian martyrs of the Roman Empire, Saints Felix and Regula, whose relics are located nearby.
The icon of Our Lady «Fadeless Color» traditionally accompanied us on the journey, and we prayed and sang her Akatist. When we arrived in Roveredo, we began to climb the mountain to the monastery, where they were already waiting for us.
On the porch of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, Schema-Archimandride Gabriel had a two-hour spiritual conversation with us. Various topics were addressed, including prayer for a layman, confession, fighting with passions and so on. After the conversation, we prayed at the evening service and in the end the elder anointed everyone with holy oil and everyone received a book written by him.
After accepting the blessing of Father Gabriel, inspired by the conversation and the common prayer, we went home in the hope of returning to this blessed place once again. 🙏
On the 18th In February 2023, a spiritual trip to Baden-Baden (Germany) took place for the members of the association (55 people). The group was spiritually accompanied by a priest, Father Pavel (Golinsky) from the Church of St. Nicholas, Basel.
Baden-Baden is a small town with a worldwide reputation as a thermal bath. But for us, this city was interesting above all because of its rich Orthodox heritage, which is associated with the history of the royal family.
The Transfiguration Church of Baden-Baden, built in the 19th century, is one of the best examples of Orthodox church architecture in Europe. The temple was built according to the project of the Russian architect I.V. Shtrom under the direction of the German architect and contractor Belzer. Material helping was provided by members of the royal family and Russian believing patrons. The consecration of the church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord took place on the 28th. October (9. November 1882). In 1899, Nicholas II and Alexandra Fyodorovna visited the temple.
Not far from the church is the Fabergé Museum. The museum's unique collection presents the entire range of Fabergé's works, from imperial Easter eggs to metal products from the First World War.
Our program included the following activities:
Baden-Baden is a small town with a worldwide reputation as a thermal bath. But for us, this city was interesting above all because of its rich Orthodox heritage, which is associated with the history of the royal family.
The Transfiguration Church of Baden-Baden, built in the 19th century, is one of the best examples of Orthodox church architecture in Europe. The temple was built according to the project of the Russian architect I.V. Shtrom under the direction of the German architect and contractor Belzer. Material helping was provided by members of the royal family and Russian believing patrons. The consecration of the church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord took place on the 28th. October (9. November 1882). In 1899, Nicholas II and Alexandra Fyodorovna visited the temple.
Not far from the church is the Fabergé Museum. The museum's unique collection presents the entire range of Fabergé's works, from imperial Easter eggs to metal products from the First World War.
Our program included the following activities:
- Transfiguration Church in Baden-Baden: Excursion, visit of the temple, prayer service with the Akatist of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Panikhida (parents' Saturday)
- Free time: Food
- Walk through Baden-Baden
- Guided tour of the Fabergé Museum
In December 2022, an event was organized for the opening of the Swiss non-profit Christian association «Andrey Bernsky» (official opening date of the association is 21.11.22).
Priests took part in the event: Father Vladimir, Father Pavel, volunteers, friends and relatives of the organizers of the association from Basel, Bern, Lucerne and other cities in Switzerland and Germany (approx. 40 people).
The program began with the Way of the Cross along the Way of Passion (Via Dolorosa in Mariastein; Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland), where pilgrims stopped at every station of the Way of the Cross of Jesus Christ and proclaimed the gospel of the depicted event of this cross.
Subsequently, the group continued the procession with the Our Lady icon «Fadeless Colour» in the direction of the Chapel of Grace of Our Lady of the Mariastein Monastery.
In the chapel, the priests, Father Vladimir and Father Pavel, served a Moleben «For the beginning of every good deal», and then everyone prayerfully sang the Akatists to the Mother of God «Fadeless color» icon.
In memory of the opening day of the association, each participant was presented with a small icon «Fadeless Color».
Subsequently, the group visited the main temple of the Mariastein Monastery, where the largest Orthodox relics (the relics of the saints, including the relics of Saint Martin, Saint Ursula, Pantalus, Verena and the Apostle Philip and many other saints (91 saints) as a whole) are preserved).
It continued with a transfer to the city of Basel and a visit to the Basel Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1019 in honor of the Mother of God. Today's construction goes back to the late Romanesque construction of the last third of the 12th century. Century (1180-1220/30) and is a landmark of the city.
Nearby there was a Christmas market on Domplatz, where at the end all participants raised a traditional Basel pitcher with hot Christmas tea and thanked each other for a wonderful day.
Priests took part in the event: Father Vladimir, Father Pavel, volunteers, friends and relatives of the organizers of the association from Basel, Bern, Lucerne and other cities in Switzerland and Germany (approx. 40 people).
The program began with the Way of the Cross along the Way of Passion (Via Dolorosa in Mariastein; Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland), where pilgrims stopped at every station of the Way of the Cross of Jesus Christ and proclaimed the gospel of the depicted event of this cross.
Subsequently, the group continued the procession with the Our Lady icon «Fadeless Colour» in the direction of the Chapel of Grace of Our Lady of the Mariastein Monastery.
In the chapel, the priests, Father Vladimir and Father Pavel, served a Moleben «For the beginning of every good deal», and then everyone prayerfully sang the Akatists to the Mother of God «Fadeless color» icon.
In memory of the opening day of the association, each participant was presented with a small icon «Fadeless Color».
Subsequently, the group visited the main temple of the Mariastein Monastery, where the largest Orthodox relics (the relics of the saints, including the relics of Saint Martin, Saint Ursula, Pantalus, Verena and the Apostle Philip and many other saints (91 saints) as a whole) are preserved).
It continued with a transfer to the city of Basel and a visit to the Basel Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1019 in honor of the Mother of God. Today's construction goes back to the late Romanesque construction of the last third of the 12th century. Century (1180-1220/30) and is a landmark of the city.
Nearby there was a Christmas market on Domplatz, where at the end all participants raised a traditional Basel pitcher with hot Christmas tea and thanked each other for a wonderful day.
On the 29th In October 2022, a pilgrimage was organized for members of the Trinity Church of Bern to Saint-Maurice and Vevey (more than 120 people). The group was accompanied and spiritually nourished by a priest, Father Vladimir.
The journey began in Bern, from where the group left with two buses. On the way to Saint-Maurice, the group visited the «Frontalplatz», where, according to legend, thousands of Christian soldiers and their family members were beheaded on a martyr stone that has been preserved to this day.
Then the path continued to the monastery of Saint-Maurice, where there was the opportunity to get to know the archaeological zone and the treasury (with the holy relics of the martyrs of Thebes: Mauritius, Victor and Candide, part of the life-giving) Tree of the Cross of the Lord, a thorn from the crown of thorns and other.
Then everyone went to Vevey, to the Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr, where the group was received by the priest, Father Aviv and the local sisterhood. Church of St. Barbara was built in 1878 and is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Western Europe.
The program continued with an organized lunch. Then the children began with a floristic master class and the adults visited the local site (the largest necropolis of the Russian emigration of the 19th-20th century in Switzerland) for a memorial service. After that, everyone returned to the church and prayed together the Akatist St. Barbara.
At the end of the program, each family received an icon of the St. Barbara in memory of the pilgrimage. The icon of the Mother of God «Fadeless Color», painted on Mount Athos was presented to the church of St. Varvara as a present from our association.
The journey began in Bern, from where the group left with two buses. On the way to Saint-Maurice, the group visited the «Frontalplatz», where, according to legend, thousands of Christian soldiers and their family members were beheaded on a martyr stone that has been preserved to this day.
Then the path continued to the monastery of Saint-Maurice, where there was the opportunity to get to know the archaeological zone and the treasury (with the holy relics of the martyrs of Thebes: Mauritius, Victor and Candide, part of the life-giving) Tree of the Cross of the Lord, a thorn from the crown of thorns and other.
Then everyone went to Vevey, to the Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr, where the group was received by the priest, Father Aviv and the local sisterhood. Church of St. Barbara was built in 1878 and is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Western Europe.
The program continued with an organized lunch. Then the children began with a floristic master class and the adults visited the local site (the largest necropolis of the Russian emigration of the 19th-20th century in Switzerland) for a memorial service. After that, everyone returned to the church and prayed together the Akatist St. Barbara.
At the end of the program, each family received an icon of the St. Barbara in memory of the pilgrimage. The icon of the Mother of God «Fadeless Color», painted on Mount Athos was presented to the church of St. Varvara as a present from our association.
On the 16th In July 2022, a trip to the mountains of Central Switzerland, the Klevenalp, was organized for a group of Sunday school children of the Trinity Church of Bern. The group was accompanied and spiritually nourished by a priest, Father Ioann.
The day was sunny and cheerful. In addition to an interesting walk in the Alpine massif of Klevenalp, a rich program awaited the children: sports games on a specially equipped playground, common prayer in a mountain chapel, a master class in visual arts «The Secret of the Clover», a delicious lunch, a ride on the funicular and a pleasure with local ice cream on the lake of the four cantons.
The secret of the journey meant that all participants understood the definition of the unity of the Holy Trinity. At the end of the trip, all participants were presented with an icon of the Holy Trinity and sweet treats.
The day was sunny and cheerful. In addition to an interesting walk in the Alpine massif of Klevenalp, a rich program awaited the children: sports games on a specially equipped playground, common prayer in a mountain chapel, a master class in visual arts «The Secret of the Clover», a delicious lunch, a ride on the funicular and a pleasure with local ice cream on the lake of the four cantons.
The secret of the journey meant that all participants understood the definition of the unity of the Holy Trinity. At the end of the trip, all participants were presented with an icon of the Holy Trinity and sweet treats.
On Saturday, 31.08.24, a spiritual and educational trip dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the memorial day, Andrey. (memorable day - 05.09).
On a memorable trip, we invited members of our association, as well as everyone who is member of the Holy Trinity Church of the city Bern. It was very touched that so many people went on this trip - there were 100 of us!
The trip took place in the days of the feast of the Assumption of the MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, and of course we really wanted to especially honor and pray to the Mother of God🙏 That is why we went to the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross, where there is a particularly revered image of the Mother of God «Speeding listener». The list of the miraculous image was presented to the cathedral by the abbot of the Athos St. Andrew's skete.
The trip turned out to be really memorable... so beautiful cathedral, all together, we sang the Akathist of the Mother of God in the cathedral... and saw and learned so much about Christianity in Geneva 🙏
On a memorable trip, we invited members of our association, as well as everyone who is member of the Holy Trinity Church of the city Bern. It was very touched that so many people went on this trip - there were 100 of us!
The trip took place in the days of the feast of the Assumption of the MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, and of course we really wanted to especially honor and pray to the Mother of God🙏 That is why we went to the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross, where there is a particularly revered image of the Mother of God «Speeding listener». The list of the miraculous image was presented to the cathedral by the abbot of the Athos St. Andrew's skete.
The trip turned out to be really memorable... so beautiful cathedral, all together, we sang the Akathist of the Mother of God in the cathedral... and saw and learned so much about Christianity in Geneva 🙏
On May 18, 2024, a spiritual and educational trip to the holy places of central Switzerland took place. We arrived in the city of Lucerne, where we visited the Old Catholic Cathedral of Christ the Savior. In this church, the Orthodox parish of St. Theodosius of Pechersk is located, the liturgy was served and the patronal feast was celebrated. After the service, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch in the church refectory.
Then our journey continued to the city of Engelberg (angel mountain), where we visited the monastery. The Angel Mountain Monastery, founded in 1120, where prayer has not stopped for a single day since its foundation, has an interesting history and shrines dear to every Orthodox Christian’s heart.
In the treasury of the altar of the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God there is a piece of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. Mary of Egypt. In the front limit, an open reliquary with pieces of the relics of St. Verena, St. Mauritius, and in the center, the relics of the Roman martyr St. Eugene, which are opened for veneration annually on October 22.
A tour of the monastery was organized, where we saw the treasury of the temple altar, the largest organ in Switzerland, and also looked inside the monastery, where visitors have a guest block, a hall with ancient books (from the third century) and a Baroque hall.
At the end, we all gathered in the church and collectively sang the Akathist to the Archangel of God Michael.
After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with a handmade souvenir «angel».
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in a spiritual song🙏
Then our journey continued to the city of Engelberg (angel mountain), where we visited the monastery. The Angel Mountain Monastery, founded in 1120, where prayer has not stopped for a single day since its foundation, has an interesting history and shrines dear to every Orthodox Christian’s heart.
In the treasury of the altar of the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God there is a piece of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. Mary of Egypt. In the front limit, an open reliquary with pieces of the relics of St. Verena, St. Mauritius, and in the center, the relics of the Roman martyr St. Eugene, which are opened for veneration annually on October 22.
A tour of the monastery was organized, where we saw the treasury of the temple altar, the largest organ in Switzerland, and also looked inside the monastery, where visitors have a guest block, a hall with ancient books (from the third century) and a Baroque hall.
At the end, we all gathered in the church and collectively sang the Akathist to the Archangel of God Michael.
After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with a handmade souvenir «angel».
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in a spiritual song🙏
On March 16, 2024, a spiritual trip to the holy places of Alsace took place. Our journey began in Basel, from where a group of 50 people set off by bus. The group was spiritually accompanied by priest Vladimir from the Berne parish.
Our route took us towards the Vosges Mountains of France. There we visited the monastery of St. Odile, where Father Vladimir spoke about the life of St. Odile, the history of the monastery and served a prayer service for Health at her relics, where we prayed together. Afterwards, those who wished went down to the source of Saint Odile, located in the vicinity of the monastery and the Vosges Mountains. And at the end, a delicious lunch awaited everyone.
Then our journey continued to the city of Eschau, where we visited the Church of St. Trophimus. We prayed and sang together the Akathist of Holy Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia at the relics. Lithia was also served. After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with an icon with an ancient image of the Saints Faith, Hope and Love and their mother Sophia.
Next, our path lay to Strasbourg, where we visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Notre-Dame (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg), and also looked at the old city and the “Little France” micro-district.
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in chants 🙏
Our route took us towards the Vosges Mountains of France. There we visited the monastery of St. Odile, where Father Vladimir spoke about the life of St. Odile, the history of the monastery and served a prayer service for Health at her relics, where we prayed together. Afterwards, those who wished went down to the source of Saint Odile, located in the vicinity of the monastery and the Vosges Mountains. And at the end, a delicious lunch awaited everyone.
Then our journey continued to the city of Eschau, where we visited the Church of St. Trophimus. We prayed and sang together the Akathist of Holy Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia at the relics. Lithia was also served. After the prayers, in memory of visiting this holy place, each family was presented with an icon with an ancient image of the Saints Faith, Hope and Love and their mother Sophia.
Next, our path lay to Strasbourg, where we visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Notre-Dame (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg), and also looked at the old city and the “Little France” micro-district.
Filled spiritually, under the vivid impression of the day spent, we set off on the return journey, glorifying the Mother of God in chants 🙏
On August 26, 2023, a spiritual trip to Bad Zurzach and Lenzburg took place. The purpose of our route was to visit the tomb of the Holy Righteous Verena of Zurzach (Solothurn) and the museum of ancient icons (16-19th centuries).
Our journey began in the city of Olten, from where our group of 50 people set off by bus. On the way, a short introductory story about St. Verena was presented, and then we listened and prayed the akathist to the Mother of God "Fadeless Color". (The icon of which traditionally accompanied us on the way). Upon arrival in Bad Zurzach, in the crypt of the church of St. Verena, we were met by Father Vladimir and the church servant, nun Mary.
Father Vladimir told the story of the life of the Holy Righteous Verena, and then served a Prayer for Health. Each pilgrim had the opportunity to venerate the relics of the Saint Verena, which were brought to the crypt especially for our group. A memorial service was also served. Prayer filled hearts with quiet joy and warmth... everyone lit a candle in their hands, we sang and prayed together...
The second part of the program began with a delicious meal and continued on the way to Lenzburg. We visited the Burghalde Museum, where in addition to the halls of the rich history of Lenzburg (15,000 years), our group was guided by a Russian-speaking icon-painting expert in the halls with a unique collection of icons from the 16th-19th centuries.
Under the vivid impression of the past day, we set off on our way back, glorifying the Mother of God in hymns 🙏
Our journey began in the city of Olten, from where our group of 50 people set off by bus. On the way, a short introductory story about St. Verena was presented, and then we listened and prayed the akathist to the Mother of God "Fadeless Color". (The icon of which traditionally accompanied us on the way). Upon arrival in Bad Zurzach, in the crypt of the church of St. Verena, we were met by Father Vladimir and the church servant, nun Mary.
Father Vladimir told the story of the life of the Holy Righteous Verena, and then served a Prayer for Health. Each pilgrim had the opportunity to venerate the relics of the Saint Verena, which were brought to the crypt especially for our group. A memorial service was also served. Prayer filled hearts with quiet joy and warmth... everyone lit a candle in their hands, we sang and prayed together...
The second part of the program began with a delicious meal and continued on the way to Lenzburg. We visited the Burghalde Museum, where in addition to the halls of the rich history of Lenzburg (15,000 years), our group was guided by a Russian-speaking icon-painting expert in the halls with a unique collection of icons from the 16th-19th centuries.
Under the vivid impression of the past day, we set off on our way back, glorifying the Mother of God in hymns 🙏
On the 17th In June 2023, a spiritual trip to the Exaltation Monastery near the city of Lugano was organized for a group of 27 people.
The purpose of our trip was a meeting and conversation with the older Schema-Archimandrit Gabriel (Bunge).
The route began in Lucerne, from where we all left together with the bus in a good mood. Spiritually, our trip was fed by a priest, Father Vladimir.
Our path ran through the central part of Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and was accompanied by a useful story: first the story of the Monastery of the Holy Cross and its governor, Schema-Archimandride, Father Gabriel (Bunge), and then the story of the first Christian martyrs of the Roman Empire, Saints Felix and Regula, whose relics are located nearby.
The icon of Our Lady «Fadeless Color» traditionally accompanied us on the journey, and we prayed and sang her Akatist. When we arrived in Roveredo, we began to climb the mountain to the monastery, where they were already waiting for us.
On the porch of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, Schema-Archimandride Gabriel had a two-hour spiritual conversation with us. Various topics were addressed, including prayer for a layman, confession, fighting with passions and so on. After the conversation, we prayed at the evening service and in the end the elder anointed everyone with holy oil and everyone received a book written by him.
After accepting the blessing of Father Gabriel, inspired by the conversation and the common prayer, we went home in the hope of returning to this blessed place once again. 🙏
The purpose of our trip was a meeting and conversation with the older Schema-Archimandrit Gabriel (Bunge).
The route began in Lucerne, from where we all left together with the bus in a good mood. Spiritually, our trip was fed by a priest, Father Vladimir.
Our path ran through the central part of Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and was accompanied by a useful story: first the story of the Monastery of the Holy Cross and its governor, Schema-Archimandride, Father Gabriel (Bunge), and then the story of the first Christian martyrs of the Roman Empire, Saints Felix and Regula, whose relics are located nearby.
The icon of Our Lady «Fadeless Color» traditionally accompanied us on the journey, and we prayed and sang her Akatist. When we arrived in Roveredo, we began to climb the mountain to the monastery, where they were already waiting for us.
On the porch of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, Schema-Archimandride Gabriel had a two-hour spiritual conversation with us. Various topics were addressed, including prayer for a layman, confession, fighting with passions and so on. After the conversation, we prayed at the evening service and in the end the elder anointed everyone with holy oil and everyone received a book written by him.
After accepting the blessing of Father Gabriel, inspired by the conversation and the common prayer, we went home in the hope of returning to this blessed place once again. 🙏
On the 18th In February 2023, a spiritual trip to Baden-Baden (Germany) took place for the members of the association (55 people). The group was spiritually accompanied by a priest, Father Pavel (Golinsky) from the Church of St. Nicholas, Basel.
Baden-Baden is a small town with a worldwide reputation as a thermal bath. But for us, this city was interesting above all because of its rich Orthodox heritage, which is associated with the history of the royal family.
The Transfiguration Church of Baden-Baden, built in the 19th century, is one of the best examples of Orthodox church architecture in Europe. The temple was built according to the project of the Russian architect I.V. Shtrom under the direction of the German architect and contractor Belzer. Material helping was provided by members of the royal family and Russian believing patrons. The consecration of the church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord took place on the 28th. October (9. November 1882). In 1899, Nicholas II and Alexandra Fyodorovna visited the temple.
Not far from the church is the Fabergé Museum. The museum's unique collection presents the entire range of Fabergé's works, from imperial Easter eggs to metal products from the First World War.
Our program included the following activities:
Baden-Baden is a small town with a worldwide reputation as a thermal bath. But for us, this city was interesting above all because of its rich Orthodox heritage, which is associated with the history of the royal family.
The Transfiguration Church of Baden-Baden, built in the 19th century, is one of the best examples of Orthodox church architecture in Europe. The temple was built according to the project of the Russian architect I.V. Shtrom under the direction of the German architect and contractor Belzer. Material helping was provided by members of the royal family and Russian believing patrons. The consecration of the church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord took place on the 28th. October (9. November 1882). In 1899, Nicholas II and Alexandra Fyodorovna visited the temple.
Not far from the church is the Fabergé Museum. The museum's unique collection presents the entire range of Fabergé's works, from imperial Easter eggs to metal products from the First World War.
Our program included the following activities:
- Transfiguration Church in Baden-Baden: Excursion, visit of the temple, prayer service with the Akatist of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Panikhida (parents' Saturday)
- Free time: Food
- Walk through Baden-Baden
- Guided tour of the Fabergé Museum
In December 2022, an event was organized for the opening of the Swiss non-profit Christian association «Andrey Bernsky» (official opening date of the association is 21.11.22).
Priests took part in the event: Father Vladimir, Father Pavel, volunteers, friends and relatives of the organizers of the association from Basel, Bern, Lucerne and other cities in Switzerland and Germany (approx. 40 people).
The program began with the Way of the Cross along the Way of Passion (Via Dolorosa in Mariastein; Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland), where pilgrims stopped at every station of the Way of the Cross of Jesus Christ and proclaimed the gospel of the depicted event of this cross.
Subsequently, the group continued the procession with the Our Lady icon «Fadeless Colour» in the direction of the Chapel of Grace of Our Lady of the Mariastein Monastery.
In the chapel, the priests, Father Vladimir and Father Pavel, served a Moleben «For the beginning of every good deal», and then everyone prayerfully sang the Akatists to the Mother of God «Fadeless color» icon.
In memory of the opening day of the association, each participant was presented with a small icon «Fadeless Color».
Subsequently, the group visited the main temple of the Mariastein Monastery, where the largest Orthodox relics (the relics of the saints, including the relics of Saint Martin, Saint Ursula, Pantalus, Verena and the Apostle Philip and many other saints (91 saints) as a whole) are preserved).
It continued with a transfer to the city of Basel and a visit to the Basel Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1019 in honor of the Mother of God. Today's construction goes back to the late Romanesque construction of the last third of the 12th century. Century (1180-1220/30) and is a landmark of the city.
Nearby there was a Christmas market on Domplatz, where at the end all participants raised a traditional Basel pitcher with hot Christmas tea and thanked each other for a wonderful day.
Priests took part in the event: Father Vladimir, Father Pavel, volunteers, friends and relatives of the organizers of the association from Basel, Bern, Lucerne and other cities in Switzerland and Germany (approx. 40 people).
The program began with the Way of the Cross along the Way of Passion (Via Dolorosa in Mariastein; Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland), where pilgrims stopped at every station of the Way of the Cross of Jesus Christ and proclaimed the gospel of the depicted event of this cross.
Subsequently, the group continued the procession with the Our Lady icon «Fadeless Colour» in the direction of the Chapel of Grace of Our Lady of the Mariastein Monastery.
In the chapel, the priests, Father Vladimir and Father Pavel, served a Moleben «For the beginning of every good deal», and then everyone prayerfully sang the Akatists to the Mother of God «Fadeless color» icon.
In memory of the opening day of the association, each participant was presented with a small icon «Fadeless Color».
Subsequently, the group visited the main temple of the Mariastein Monastery, where the largest Orthodox relics (the relics of the saints, including the relics of Saint Martin, Saint Ursula, Pantalus, Verena and the Apostle Philip and many other saints (91 saints) as a whole) are preserved).
It continued with a transfer to the city of Basel and a visit to the Basel Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1019 in honor of the Mother of God. Today's construction goes back to the late Romanesque construction of the last third of the 12th century. Century (1180-1220/30) and is a landmark of the city.
Nearby there was a Christmas market on Domplatz, where at the end all participants raised a traditional Basel pitcher with hot Christmas tea and thanked each other for a wonderful day.
On the 29th In October 2022, a pilgrimage was organized for members of the Trinity Church of Bern to Saint-Maurice and Vevey (more than 120 people). The group was accompanied and spiritually nourished by a priest, Father Vladimir.
The journey began in Bern, from where the group left with two buses. On the way to Saint-Maurice, the group visited the «Frontalplatz», where, according to legend, thousands of Christian soldiers and their family members were beheaded on a martyr stone that has been preserved to this day.
Then the path continued to the monastery of Saint-Maurice, where there was the opportunity to get to know the archaeological zone and the treasury (with the holy relics of the martyrs of Thebes: Mauritius, Victor and Candide, part of the life-giving) Tree of the Cross of the Lord, a thorn from the crown of thorns and other.
Then everyone went to Vevey, to the Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr, where the group was received by the priest, Father Aviv and the local sisterhood. Church of St. Barbara was built in 1878 and is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Western Europe.
The program continued with an organized lunch. Then the children began with a floristic master class and the adults visited the local site (the largest necropolis of the Russian emigration of the 19th-20th century in Switzerland) for a memorial service. After that, everyone returned to the church and prayed together the Akatist St. Barbara.
At the end of the program, each family received an icon of the St. Barbara in memory of the pilgrimage. The icon of the Mother of God «Fadeless Color», painted on Mount Athos was presented to the church of St. Varvara as a present from our association.
The journey began in Bern, from where the group left with two buses. On the way to Saint-Maurice, the group visited the «Frontalplatz», where, according to legend, thousands of Christian soldiers and their family members were beheaded on a martyr stone that has been preserved to this day.
Then the path continued to the monastery of Saint-Maurice, where there was the opportunity to get to know the archaeological zone and the treasury (with the holy relics of the martyrs of Thebes: Mauritius, Victor and Candide, part of the life-giving) Tree of the Cross of the Lord, a thorn from the crown of thorns and other.
Then everyone went to Vevey, to the Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr, where the group was received by the priest, Father Aviv and the local sisterhood. Church of St. Barbara was built in 1878 and is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Western Europe.
The program continued with an organized lunch. Then the children began with a floristic master class and the adults visited the local site (the largest necropolis of the Russian emigration of the 19th-20th century in Switzerland) for a memorial service. After that, everyone returned to the church and prayed together the Akatist St. Barbara.
At the end of the program, each family received an icon of the St. Barbara in memory of the pilgrimage. The icon of the Mother of God «Fadeless Color», painted on Mount Athos was presented to the church of St. Varvara as a present from our association.
On the 16th In July 2022, a trip to the mountains of Central Switzerland, the Klevenalp, was organized for a group of Sunday school children of the Trinity Church of Bern. The group was accompanied and spiritually nourished by a priest, Father Ioann.
The day was sunny and cheerful. In addition to an interesting walk in the Alpine massif of Klevenalp, a rich program awaited the children: sports games on a specially equipped playground, common prayer in a mountain chapel, a master class in visual arts «The Secret of the Clover», a delicious lunch, a ride on the funicular and a pleasure with local ice cream on the lake of the four cantons.
The secret of the journey meant that all participants understood the definition of the unity of the Holy Trinity. At the end of the trip, all participants were presented with an icon of the Holy Trinity and sweet treats.
The day was sunny and cheerful. In addition to an interesting walk in the Alpine massif of Klevenalp, a rich program awaited the children: sports games on a specially equipped playground, common prayer in a mountain chapel, a master class in visual arts «The Secret of the Clover», a delicious lunch, a ride on the funicular and a pleasure with local ice cream on the lake of the four cantons.
The secret of the journey meant that all participants understood the definition of the unity of the Holy Trinity. At the end of the trip, all participants were presented with an icon of the Holy Trinity and sweet treats.