Posted on 02/16/2019 4:38:07 PM PST by NRx
MOSCOW -- On a recent snowy Sunday, the 17th-century Dormition Church was drawing evening Mass to a close. The ethereal chants that had for two hours entranced a standing congregation still echoed off the intricately painted walls as Father Aleksy Gomonov retreated to the sacristy to remove his vestments.
But his sizeable, surprisingly young flock remained. As tables were brought in and arranged in neat rows among the ancient icons and golden candelabra, the crowd began to mingle. Off came the thick winter coats, and out came the smartphones. Numbers were traded, eye contact held or averted, and a subdued atmosphere of piety gave way to flirtation and giggles.
It was the latest gathering of the Peter and Fevronia Club, a sort of speed-dating night for Moscow's Orthodox Christians. Each Sunday, after the week's final service, Gomonov brings together the single men and women of his parish, and anyone else keen to join. As they chat over cucumber sandwiches and black tea, he dispenses relationship advice mixed with church teachings.
Many come to find their other half, the old-fashioned way. Others seek a companion for walks, church events, or pilgrimages. And Gomonov, a happily married father of two? He's just killing time.
"I have nothing better to do," he said, his eyes scanning the room over a pair of glasses perpetually balanced on the tip of his nose. "And the youth have nothing to do either."
At 67, Gomonov sports an impressive white beard and a mane of strawberry-blond hair. In the 20 years since he took charge of the Dormition Church, he has fostered a community like few others in Moscow. Parishioners have a dedicated summer camp and a program of civic engagement. They organize ballroom-dancing classes and pilgrimages to sacred Orthodox sites.
(Excerpt) Read more at rferl.org ...
I agree with your assessment. Luxmoore didn’t want the reader to garner a positive impression of this Orthodox Church social gathering, rather that it was backward and oppressive.
in the Catholic church girls and women were required to wear something on their heads...
________________
I have fond memories of those days.
“evening Mass?”
The author is not Orthodox. Most likely he is referring to Vespers which is celebrated on Saturdays and the evening before any day where the Divine Liturgy is to be served.
I was thinking the same. I’m just amazed at how many “journalists” know so very little about what they are reporting.
That honorable tradition still thrives in the Latin Mass community. May it increase, and may the post-conciliar madness decrease.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.