Sunday, October 13, 2013

All Hearts Yearn for God

The history of this city is ever-present and touches our hearts in so many ways. A magnificent church overlooks the Kremlin in Moscow. It is named The Cathedral of Christ the Savior and was originally built in gratitude for the victory over Napoleon in 1812, (along with Tchaikovsky's overture). The political climate changed and in 1932, the building was blown up to make way for a tribute to the new Communist culture. The money was never there and decades later, Kruschev's government converted it into the world's largest swimming pool.
 In 1993, permission was granted for the rebuilding of the church. Most of the money came from millions of poor people who wanted to honor God. It is a reminder of the need all humans feel to connect with a higher power, however that is defined.
We were privileged to visit the church as a service was beginning.  The voices were beautiful and the visual artistry was stunning but as we toured the beautiful sanctuary last Saturday,  we couldn't help but wish we could communicate our testimonies that in just a few hours real apostles and prophets would again testify of the reality of Jesus Christ and His love and care for each of us.
So much to see in a  very walkable distance in Moscow.  As darkness fell, we made our way from the church to the Bolshoi theater for a magnificent light show.  For 4 days in various locations, Moscovites were treated to amazing theatrics with light.  We chose to stake out the front of the Bolshoi, along with thousands of others.  Fortunately, the evening was clear and just a little brisk.  The facade of the Bolshoi was transfigured from minute to minute with accompanying gorgeous Russian music emanating from gigantic speakers.  Lots of children hoisted on father's shoulders.  Lots of "oohs" and "aahs".  Language was no barrier for a change.  We were all enthralled by the joy and creativity of these wonderful Russians.

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