MThA Students Embark on Pilgrimage to Moscow Holy Sites

Accompanied by Hieromonk Philaret (Zubov), Senior Assistant to the Vice-Rector for Disciplinary Work S.V. Badukin, and Associate Professor K.A. Cherepennikov, first-year students of the Moscow Theological Academy (MThA) spent the day visiting the historic sacred sites of Moscow.

The pilgrimage began at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where the students attended the Divine Liturgy. Following the service, they were given a guided tour of the cathedral, during which they learned about its profound history. The group then traveled to the Donskoy Monastery to venerate the relics of St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', in this year marking the centenary of his repose.

The journey concluded at the Danilov Monastery, where the students paid their respects to the monastery’s shrines and attended an engaging historical lecture.

At each stop, the students were provided with tours detailing the history and sacred treasures of the monasteries, which sparked genuine interest among the participants. The guests from the Academy were also treated to a festive meal prepared by the brothers of the Donskoy Monastery.

We express our sincere gratitude to Archpriest Mikhail Ryazantsev, Sacristan of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior; His Eminence Metropolitan Theognost of Kashira, Abbot of the Donskoy Monastery; and His Grace Bishop Alexy of Solnechnogorsk, Abbot of the Danilov Monastery, as well as all the staff who provided a warm and fatherly welcome to the MThA students. 

Student Feedback:

“I am deeply grateful to the Moscow Theological Academy for organizing this wonderful and spiritually enriching trip. Visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, along with the Donskoy and Danilov monasteries, provided not only new knowledge but a tangible connection to the great history and culture of Moscow. I hope this annual tradition continues, as such events make an invaluable contribution to the personal development of a seminarian. I wish many and blessed years to all the participants and organizers.” 

MThA Press Office