Tuesday, March 3, 2009

ABC Wednesday--G


The ABCs happen every Wednesday on blogs around the world. Denise started it. Visit her to give her a "thanks".
See the other ABC-Gs linked at the ABC Wednesday site.


G is for gilt.


These are some of the onion shaped domes of the churches at the Russian Orthodox monastery at Sergiev Posad. We visited this village and monastery on a day trip north of Moscow. Sergiev Posad is the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Holy Trinity Monastery was founded in 1345 by St. Sergius of Radonezh. Our guides told us that besides being an important religious figure and patron saint of Russia, St. Sergius was know for making wooden toys for village children.

This gilded door is inside one of the churches there. If I recall correctly, there are five different ones.

This icon of Mary and Jesus boasts a lavish gilded frame.

When we visited Sergiev Posad, it was the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul on the old Russian calendar and hundreds of Russian Orthodox monks were gathered for special services.

12 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What fabulous photos! Thanks for the text as well, lots of interesting info and I enjoyed it all! Thanks for sharing!

Jenny said...

you've done and been to so many amazing places. I love seeing your pictures! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Gilt tripping... :)

photowannabe said...

Beautiful gilt and very original choice for the letter G.

Bradley Hsi said...

Very nice photos and a good post for "G".

Janie said...

What exotic scenes. I love those golden onion shaped domes.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Fascinating photos, Katney. Love the domes and the other examples of gilt. Thanks for sharing.

Tumblewords: said...

Glorious photos! I've always loved gilt...

nonizamboni said...

Perfect choice for 'g' and I really enjoyed the variety in these photos of gilt--the direct opposite of the other g(u)ilt. Thanks for sharing your trip!

Liz Hinds said...

They must have to employ hundreds of cleaning women!

It must have been fabulous to visit Russia and see such sights.

Mary said...

These domes are beautiful and so different. They seem "unreal" somehow, like out of a fairy tale.

PERBS said...

Enjoyed the tour and wish I could have traveled to other countries like you did.