Photo of the Day for March 31, 2011: Christening in Church III

Triple Christening, Al’homjel’ (Ohljamjel’) 2011.  The priest of the Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene arranged to christen three families’ newborns — Jaroslav, Cyril and Sofia — at the same time.  Here at the priest’s command the Godparents turn to face outward, symbolizing their commitment to protect their Godchildren from Satan.  In the Orthodox tradition only… Continue reading Photo of the Day for March 31, 2011: Christening in Church III

Photo of the Day for March 29, 2011: Christening in Church II

Triple Christening, Al’homjel’ 2011.  The priest of the Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene arranged to christen three families’ newborns — Jaroslav, Cyril and Sofia — at the same time.  Orthodox christenings use holy oil and water.  Here the priest is christening baby Sofia with water.  In the Orthodox tradition only the Godparents take part in… Continue reading Photo of the Day for March 29, 2011: Christening in Church II

Photo of the Day for March 25, 2011: Annunciation Day / Звеставаньне Пана

In honor of Annunciation Day.  Са сьвятам Звеставаньня Пана! From Luke 1: [28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. [29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind… Continue reading Photo of the Day for March 25, 2011: Annunciation Day / Звеставаньне Пана

Photo of the Day for March 23, 2011: Christening in Church I

Triple Christening, Al’homjel’ 2011.  The priest of the Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene arranged to christen three families’ newborns — Jaroslav, Cyril and Sofia — at the same time.  In the Orthodox tradition only the Godparents take part in the ceremony; parents are not allowed. Патройнае хрышчэньне, Альгомель 2011 год.  Айцец царквы Марыі Магдалены хрысьціць… Continue reading Photo of the Day for March 23, 2011: Christening in Church I

Photo of the Day for March 22, 2011: The Loom I

The Loom I.  Кросны (частка І). In previous generations the loom was an essential Polesian household fixture.  But weaving was an arduous task.  Granny Vul’ljana recalls how women and girls would exhaust themselves weaving long into winter nights to produce enough cloth for the coming year.  Now, she notes, only three looms remain in the… Continue reading Photo of the Day for March 22, 2011: The Loom I