On June 12, 2021, members of the Lutheran church in Kazan, Tatarstan, visited Sviyazhsk, a village (in the ancient times, a town) ca. 30 km (18 mi) from Kazan, located at the confluence of the Volga and Sviyaga Rivers and known for its ancient Russian Orthodox monasteries. Following the construction of the Kuybyshev Reservoir in the 1950’s, the location has become an island connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Alina Semyonova, the wife of the church’s pastor Rev. Artur Semyonov, guided a tour sharing with the group about the place’s history and ancient lore. The group lunched in the dining hall of a monastery. Some attended a sacred music festival, others bought gifts or went to an observation point to enjoy a scenic view of the Sviyaga River. At the end, the group visited Lenivy torzhok, a cultural, commercial and entertainment complex to immerse themselves in ancient history, buy handmade souvenirs, shoot a bow or dress themselves as an ancient Russian princess.
Thanks be to the Lord for the good weather, the great social time, and the ability to take such trips!