The Way of the Gaelic Church - youth pilgrimmage

Preambule

The region of Province in the South of France is of special importance to the cultural heritage of this country. Populated in the ancient times, Province still keeps the unique historical monuments of the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. Province was converted into Christianity in the first century by the Christ’s Apostles and disciples. Christian dioceses were established there in the third century. Monasteries were created by the force of prayers and sermons of such great saints and zealots as Honorat and Vincent of Lerin, Caesar of Arles, Johanna Cassian.

Province is also the place where many Russian and Greek йmigrйs live. That is why Orthodox parishes were formed there even in our times. At present there are more that 20 Orthodox churches and several monasteries - French, Greek and Russian.

“Common Cause” Interregional Public Youth Organisation offers a chance to go on a pilgrimage to the holy places of South Gaul along with Orthodox students from Russia and France.

Getting familiar with the ancient and modern Orthodoxy in the South of France.

• To see and bow to the ancient holy places in the South of France.
• To get familiar with the Western Orthodox practices and non-Orthodox confessions.

• Enhance the level of doctrinal, cultural and historical knowledge.

• To get acquainted with the French associations of Orthodox youth.
• To have some rest and entertainment and establish contacts between students.

To reach its goals the Pilgrimage “Along the Way of the Gaelic Church” will do the following:

· Have Divine Services near the relics of the ancient saints and zealots of the South of France.

· Carry out the cultural programme: participants of the Pilgrimage will be able to see the most famous historical monuments and cities of the South of France, to get to know the region’s popular traditions and attend some lectures on the history of Christianity in this region.

· Establish contacts and have meetings with Orthodox French people who practice Orthodoxy. Pilgrims will also have a chance to swim in the Mediterranean, visit museums of world-famous artists, see the architectural monuments of the Roman times.

Common Cause, being aware of the growing interest of the Russian youth to the origins of Christianity in Europe, has organised this Pilgrimage for 35 Russian students who will travel by a comfortable bus from Moscow to the South of France. 5 French delegates will join the Pilgrimage in Nice. The pilgrims will move from town to town every day and will be accommodated in schools and local communities.

The Pilgrimage will end in Paris where its participants will have a sightseeing tour of the city.

If you wish to joint the pilgrimage, please contact us at: od_moscow@mail.ru

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