
(An extensive photogallery is found below, following the Russian text.)
English:
The first pilgrimage through Ireland organised within our Diocese concluded successfully on Sunday, bringing to a close a full week of prayerful visits to sites associated with the numerous Orthodox Saints who have shone forth on the island of Ireland.
Organised by the Mission Parish of St John the Wonderworker in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the pilgrimage was well-subscribed despite the instability of international travels, with over twenty participants from various parts of the world, including Europe, the UK, the United States of America and the Russian Federation. The pilgrimage was pleased to welcome participants not only from our Diocese, but also the German Diocese and American Dioceses of our Church Abroad, as well as various dioceses of the Moscow Patriarchate in Europe, and the Orthodox Church in America.
After commencing with Confession and the Divine Liturgy in the parish of St Colman in Stradbally last Sunday, on the summer feastday of St Serafim of Sarov, the pilgrimage group set out by coach for the first of its visits — to Glandalough and various holy sites associated with St Kevin, the great ascetic and monastic founder, including the ‘monastic city’ of Glandalough and the near and far lakes where the saint practiced his asceticism. His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe joined the pilgrims, together with clergymen who were themselves pilgrims — Archpriest Michael Carney and Priest Patrick Burns — and spoke to the participants about the saints they were encountering and the sites on which they would set foot, as well as leading the group in various Divine Services and prayers at each.
Following Glandalough, the southern-most holy well of St Patrick, the Apostle to Ireland, was visited and the Blessing of Waters performed there — participated in both by pilgrimage participants as well as local residents who came out to take part. The pilgrims then travelled to Ardmore, where the great St Declan founded his monastery, praying for the repose of their departed loved ones in its remains and before the site of the saint’s original grave — as well as visiting his far hermitage and holy well. At the remote lake hermitage of St Finbarr, the pilgrims again blessed the waters of a holy well and served a moleben upon the ruins of the saint’s cell — a prayerful pattern then repeated in the monastery of St Finian on Inishfallen Island, to which the pilgrims voyaged by way of a short boat journey.
On Wednesday, the pilgrims took the much longer boat journey out to sea, to land on Skellig Michael, the ancient rock upon which an Orthodox monastery was founded in the sixth century, dedicated to the Archangel Michael. There the pilgrims made the long ascent up the mountain by way of the ancient stone steps across the cliff faces, to arrive at the remains of the ancient monastery. In the still-standing remains of the monastery’s original church, the pilgrims chanted psalms and Orthodox prayers — just as was first done there over 1,400 years ago, and for centuries to follow.
The pilgrims then continued to the Skattery Island retreat of St Senan, and later to St Brigid’s well, and on Thursday to the monastic sites associated with St Columba, where the Divine Liturgy was served and the pilgrims fed with the heavenly food of the Lord’s Body and Blood. The pilgrimage then continued northward, where a multitude of sites associated with St Patrick (including the original site of his burial, his holy well in the north, and several of his monastic settlements and those of his disciples), St Olcan (who likewise has a holy well and buildings at the site of his asceticism), and others. On Sunday, the Divine Liturgy was served in the mission chapel of St John the Wonderworker in Belfast, prior to a final excursion to nearby holy sites, before the pilgrimage concluded and the pilgrims returned to Dublin for their departure.
Each day of the pilgrimage was wholly shaped by the pilgrims’ common prayer: morning prayers were chanted each day on the coach, and likewise evening prayers, while various molebens, pannikhidas and other Divine Services were prayed at the holy sites visited throughout the days. The pilgrims also together prayed their pre-Communion prayers, as well as sang services to St Mary Magdalene (whose feastday fell midway through the pilgrimage); and all were able to make their confessions prior to the three celebrations of the Divine Liturgy that marked out the week.
In addition to the sites associated with specific saints, many other cultural sites in Ireland were visited — many, if not most, of which also have some connection to the island’s rich Orthodox history. Among these were the Rock of Cashel and seat of the Kings of Munster (visited by St Declan, and where St Patrick converted one of the Munster kings), the Lakes of Killarney, Ross Castle, the Ring of Kerry and the Kerry Cliffs, the Lahinch Coast and the Cliffs of Moher, monastic ruins on the banks of the Shannon River, the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring, the ring-fort of Grianan of Aileach, Portrush on the North Coast, the Giants Causeway, and many others.
The pilgrimage had a profound affect upon its participants, one of whom described the week as ‘an extraordinary experience of holiness’, and served as yet another reminder of the immense spiritual heritage we possess in our countless local saints. It is intended that this should be the first of a recurring tradition of pilgrimages through Ireland organised by our Diocese, to stand alongside pilgrimages through Great Britain, already prepared, and pilgrimages through the Orthodox sites of continental western Europe, which are being prepared at present.
Русский:
Первое паломничество к святыням Ирландии, организованное на епархиальном уровне, успешно завершилось в воскресенье, завершив целую неделю молитвенных посещений мест, связанных с многочисленными православными святыми, просиявшими на острове Ирландия.
Паломничество, организованное миссионерским приходом Святого Иоанна Чудотворца в Дублине, Северная Ирландия, несмотря на нестабильность международных поездок, было отлично подготовлено, в нем приняло участие более двадцати участников из разных частей мира, включая Европу, Великобританию, Соединенные Штаты Америки и Россию. В паломничестве были с радостью встречены участники не только из нашей епархии, но из Германской и Американских епархий Зарубежной Церкви, а также различных епархий Московского Патриархата в Европе и Православной Церкви в Америке.
После совершения Исповеди и Божественной литургии в приходе св. Колмана в Страдбалли в прошлое воскресенье, в летний праздник прп. Серафима Саровского, паломническая группа отправилась на автобусе в первое пункт – в Гландалох и различные святые места, связанные со святым Кевином, великим аскетом и основателем местной обители, включая «монастырский город» Гландалох, и близлежащие и дальние озера, где подвизался святой аскет. Его Преосвященство епископ Лондонский и Западно-Европейский Ириней присоединился к паломникам вместе со священнослужителями: протоиереем Михаилом Карни и священником Патриком Бернсом. Он рассказал участникам о святых, с которыми они соприкоснутся, и о местах, на которые они ступят, а также принял общее духовное руководство над группой, совершая различные богослужения и каждодневные уставные молитвы.
Вслед за Гландалофом был посещен самый южный целебный источник Святого Патрика, Апостола Ирландии, и там было совершено «Освящение вод», в котором участвовали как участники паломничества, так и местные жители, которые присоединились к группе. Затем паломники отправились в Ардмор, где великий святой Деклан основал свой монастырь, и усердно помолились об упокоении своих умерших близких у его мощей, перед местом первоначальной могилы святого, а также посетили его отшельническую пустынь и святой источник. В отдаленной озерной обители Св. Финбарра паломники снова освятили воды целебного источника и отслужили молебен на руинах кельи святого – тоже повторили в монастыре Св. Финиана на острове Инишфаллен, куда паломники совершили краткое путешествие на катере.
В среду паломники совершили гораздо более длинное путешествие в море, чтобы высадиться на Скеллиг-Майкл, древней скале, на которой в VI веке был основан православный монастырь, посвященный архангелу Михаилу. Там паломники совершили длительный подъем на гору по древним каменным ступеням через отвесные скалы, чтобы добраться до руин древнейшей обители. В сохранившихся остатках первоначальной церкви паломники пели псалмы и православные песнопения – так же, как это было впервые сделано более 1400 лет назад и совершалось на протяжении столетий.
Затем паломники посетили пустынь святого Сенана на острове Скэттери, а затем колодец святой Бригитты, а в четверг – монастырские места, связанные со святой Колумбаном, где была отслужена Божественная литургия и паломники насытились духовной пищей – Святыми Телом и Кровью Господней. Затем паломничество переместилось на север, где было посещено множество мест, связанных со Святым Патриком (включая первоначальное место его захоронения, его целебный северный источник, а также несколько монастырских поселений и мест подвигов его учеников, Святого Олкана (который также оставил святой источник и сооружения на месте его подвижничества) и др. В воскресенье, перед заключительным выездом по близлежащим святым местам, в миссионерской часовне Иоанна Чудотворца в Белфасте была отслужена Божественная литургия, после чего паломничество завершилось и паломники вернулись в Дублин для своего отъезда.
Каждый день паломничества полностью определялся общей молитвой участников: утренние и вечерние молитвы читались каждый день в автобусе, в то время как различные молебны, панихиды и другие богослужения совершались на святых местах, посещаемых в течение дня. Паломники также вместе совершали свои молитвы перед Причастием, пропели богослужение святой Марии Магдалине (праздник которой пришелся на середину паломничества); и все смогли исповедоваться перед тремя совершениями Божественной литургии, которыми была отмечена неделя.
В дополнение к местам, связанным с конкретными святыми, были посещены многие другие культурные объекты Ирландии – многие, если не большинство, также имеют некоторую связь с богатой православной историей острова. Среди них: Скала Кашел и резиденция королей Мюнстера (которую посетил святой Деклан и где святой Патрик крестил одного из мюнстерских королей), озеро Килларни, замок Росс, Кольцо Керри и утесы Керри, Побережье Лахинч и скалы Мохер, монастырские руины на берегу реки Шеннон, монастырь Животворящего источника, кольцевой форт Грианан из Айлеха, Портраш на Северном побережье, Дорога гигантов и многие другие достопримечательности.
Паломничество произвело глубокое впечатление на его участников, один из которых описал неделю как «изумительный опыт святости» и послужило еще одним напоминанием о том огромном духовном наследии, которым мы обладаем в ликах наших бесчисленных месточтимых святых. Предполагается, что это будет основание традиции многолетнего паломничества в Ирландии, организованного нашей епархией, наряду с уже подготовленными паломничествами по Великобритании и по православным местам континентальной Западной Европы, которые готовятся в настоящее время.
Photogallery:
Pilgrims on the coach. Beautiful views of God’s creation. The well (rear) and large pool collecting the holy waters of St Patrick’s well. Steps leading down to site of the southern-most well sanctified by St Patrick. Partaking of the ancient custom of travellers healing their feet in the waters of St Patrick’s holy well. St Patrick’s holy well. The large man-made pool that collects the holy water copiously flowing from St Patrick’s well. The large man-made pool that collects the holy water copiously flowing from St Patrick’s well. The ancient gate, through which pilgrims enter into the remains of the ‘monastic city’ founded by St Kevin. Fr Patrick stands amongst graves and churches in the ancient ‘monastic city’ of Glandalough. The ancient monolithic cross of St Kevin, at Glandalough. One of the many churches standing in the monastic ‘city’ of Glendalough. One of the chapels of St Kevin, located in Glandalough. Leading to the site of St Kevin’s isolation, Glandalough. The Rock of Cashel: Site of ancient Kings, as well as St Patrick’s interactions with St Declan. The castle and church atop the ancient Rock of Cashel. Here St Patrick met with St Declan, and baptised the king. Ruins atop the Rock of Cashel. Remains of frescos on the walls of the cathedral atop the Rock of Cashel. Near St Declan’s hermitage, beyond Ardmore. Remains of St Declan’s large monastery in Ardmore. Round tower at the Ardmore Monastery of St Declan. A Christian burial stone inscribed in old Irish runes, dating from the time of St Declan. 8th-century church built over the original resting place of St Declan’s relics, Ardmore. Pilgrims gather for prayer amongst the remnants of the monastery of Ardmore. A local historian speaks of the relics of the early Church at Ardmore. Beginning of the path to St Declan’s cliff-top far hermitage. Site of St Declan’s reclusive asceticism, outside his large monastery at Ardmore. Site of St Declan’s retreat for isolation, remote from his larger monastery. St Declan’s hermitage. Bishop Irenei and Archpriest Michael at the holy well of St Declan of Ardmore. A later construction on the site of St Declan’s first church in the monastery grounds. Wall carvings from the later church of Ardmore. The holy well near the far hermitage of St Declan of Ardmore. Pilgrims board the coach to continue their pilgrimage throughout Ireland. Isolated hermitage in the lakes far from Cork, where St Finbarr would eventually become Bishop. Archpriest Michael Carney with Gabriel, both pilgrims, standing before St Finbarr’s hermitage. Site of St Finbarr’s cell, where pilgrims prayed a moleben. St Finbarr’s bench. Entry to the lakeside hermitage of St Finbarr. Pilgrims stand lakeside beside St Finbarr’s hermitage. The beauty of nature surrounding St Finbarr’s isolated lake hermitage. Entry to St Finbarr’s hermitage. The holy well of St Finbarr, at his hermitage outside of Cork. Spectacular scenery as the pilgrims make their way from one holy site to the next. Bishop Irenei and Gabriel stand at a roadside viewpoint down the valley towards Kerry. Pilgrims in two boats set out for St Finian’s abbey on Inishfallen Island. Pilgrims in two boats set out for St Finian’s abbey on Inishfallen Island. Castle Ross: the setting-off point for the boat ride to St Finian’s Inishfallen Island. The remains of the abbey founded by St Finian. Pilgrims walk across Inishfallen Island, home to St Finian. Small church of St Finian the Leper on Inishfallen Island, near the much larger abbey remains. Looking out to Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. Looking outward to the Skellig Islands. Little Skellig and Skellig Michael — the ancient monastic home of fiercest asceticism. Skellig Michael: The rock in the sea upon which the 6th-century monastery is situated — at the top. Pilgrims arrive on Skellig Michael via an hour-long boat journey out to sea. Stairs leading from the sea to the mountain-peak monastery. Bishop Irenei sends the steps to the 6th-century Monastery dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Pilgrims ascend the 660 steps to the 6th-century monastery atop Skellig Michael. Pilgrims ascend the 660 steps to the 6th-century monastery. The cliff-side entrance to the 6th -century monastic enclosure atop Skellig Michael. Pilgrim fortunate stands amidst the monastic ruins. View eastward from the church building of the mountaintop monastery. Pilgrims pray in the monastic church atop Skellig Michael. Bishop Irenei and Priest Patrick Barnes lead prayers in the ancient monastic church of the monastery atop Skellig Michael. The oratory, or central church, of the monastery, with its graveyard. Remains of the terraced garden outside the monastery atop Skellig Michael. Michael and Michaila ascend Skellig Michael – the ancient monastery dedicated to their heavenly patron. The interior of the monastic enclosure, with its beehive-style cells and churches. Pilgrims ascend the 660 steps to the 6th-century monastery. Steps carved by the 6th-century monks into the cliffs of Skellig Michael. Pilgrims gather on the site of St Senan’s monastery. The traditional round tower, located on Skattery Island Interior of the traditional round tower, on Skattery Island. Cliffs looking out towards Skellig Michael.
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