Sunday, September 26, 2010

Novodevichy Convent

Great day to play! The tour book said if you only visit one religious sight in Moscow it should be this one. So, we decided to visit it. Novodevichy Convent is still in use. It was a place where Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great sent their "female foes." The convent was founded by Basil III in 1524 and the Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk was built. Most of the other buildings were added in the late 17th century by Peter the Great's half-sister, the Regent Sophia. She was confined here after Peter reclaimed his throne in 1689 to spend the rest of her life. Napoleon's troops tried to blow up the convent but, according to a popular story, it was saved by the nuns, who snuffed out the fuses.
We started with breakfast, hosted by Scott Conlin at his "mission home" apartment. Chad, Bethany, Jim, friend, Scott, friend, Devere, Leon, Arva, Linda, Aliene, Don, (I am taking the picture)
Novodevichy Convent

Chad, Bethany, Leon, Don, Linda, Aliene, Jim, Arva, Me, Devere, Scott, Friend, Friend

Another digital moment with two crazy volunteers from Kaysville

another view

Cathedral of Our Lady Smolensk
We were invited into this building to hear five men sing beautiful Russian songs (both religious and traditional folk songs) in their deep Russian voices.

One of the songs the men sang was the "Volga Boat Song."
WOW!

Inside the Cathedral of Our Lady Smolensk.

The fortress-like walls surrounding the convent to sequester daughters, sisters, and wayward wives of the nobility!

Icon painting

Crown

Brocade Gowns

2 comments:

Michelle said...

I'd have love to hear the "Volga Boat Song." Your photography skills are really, really good. The picture of the convent in the for ground of the water only needs a frame. I'm so glad your having so much fun in the "warm" weather.

Jen said...

That convent sure beats getting your head chopped off!