Russian Icon Tour, Part 5 Sergeyev Posad

We got up early, grabbed breakfast, checked out of the hotel, and jumped on the bus - destination Sergeyev Posad. Some of us were still a bit groggy. 

Out first stop was the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergei. A Lavra is a high-ranking monastery, and this facility is roughly equivalent to a Russian Orthodox Vatican. Founded in the 14th century by St. Sergei, it has been a pilgrimage site for more than 500 years. 

Everything about it was stunning. Here is the refrectory (dining) hall. 

The domes in sunlight!

We wandered, prayed, attended part of a Sunday service, shopped and had lunch.

At a very charming restaurant, we struggled to get through salad, cream of mushroom soup, veal cutlet, peas, potatoes, bread & butter, crepes with honey and tea or coffee. 

I was able to fill bottles with blessed water from the spring in the monastery. 

Now we're heading to Suzdal for a new hotel and more adventure. 

After 3+ hours of driving, we arrived at the hotel. 

It was a fairly large complex of low buildings, with gardens for weddings (3 in progress) and parties. I saw a wedding photographer using a drone to capture footage of the ceremony - a novel idea!

We were able to find a private room and Edward, our chaplain and priest, led us in a worship service. The icons on the table were gifts to some of the people in our tour group, who had brought toys and supplies to an orphanage near Moscow.  

We ended our day with a great buffet meal in the hotel dining room.