Worshipping in L’viv, Ukraine
It was Saturday, my last full day in L’viv. I bemoaned the fact that I’d be on a train Sunday morning instead of enjoying one of the church services in L’viv. Earlier, the tour guide spoke of his attendance at a particular church service; the hotel reception person told of another. Many Ukrainians attend church services somewhere in this city. Early Sunday I’ll be on a train heading to Kyiv.
Not knowing exactly in which direction to walk (so manny beautiful sights to see), I trusted God to lead this day’s adventure. Only a few blocks away from the hotel, crowds filled the town square shopping, eating and enjoying the perfect autumn day. Families willingly paid for their child’s choice of a myriad of motorized toy vehicles in which to ride across the town square. No one seemed to mind even when needing to jump aside as these “toys” threatened to run them over!
No one seemed to mind young children running into adults with their chosen “toys”!
Nearby horse drawn carriages offered a different view in which to see L’viv. Though enticing, the desire to see the inside of a few churches took precedence.
A tender moment between two horses captured.
Couple after couple stood in front of various wedding”photo ops”. Most appeared much younger than the average age of newlyweds in the US. God, family and Ukrainian traditions are important. Opportunities are few. Besides street musicians and actors offering tickets to various performances at the Theater. A few wore costumes and elaborate make-up or paint while posing for photos.
I posed with a young girl dressed in costume with a small gold trunk placed near her feet for donations.
Further down one street we neared one famous cathedral–Bernadine Church and Monastery. Crowds moved into the sanctuary. Though unsure if it was for a wedding or a church service, we ventured inside.
Bells rang, people ushered into the cathedral with whispered voices as incense filled the air. Unlike Western style cathedrals or churches, the interior of this sanctuary allowed primarily, “standing room only”. The few pews in the center area of the church contained those unable to stand for the lengthy service and the attached monastery’s nuns and priests. From young families with babies and children to the elderly with canes, people of all ages flocked to this place of worship to attend, pray and petition God for favors or blessings.
Though lacking in stained glass windows the walls and ceilings of St Andrew’s (Bernadine Church and Monastery) was lovingly painted and decorated during the 18th century. Painted across the ceiling and archways were angels, biblical scenes and scripture verses. Large carved wooden cherubs lovingly wrapped themselves around light fixtures; majestic angel warriors hovered overhead with wings outstretched.
With the mass beginning soon, we followed a few worshippers up a small spiral staircase along one side of the back of the church. Though our position in the balcony offered a perfect view, the location was meant for the choir participating in the mass with the Orthodox Bishop! (The choir leader asked (in Ukrainian) if I’d like to join them. Sadly, I could not. Without judgment or condemnation she smiled and nodded as we sat to the side trying to just follow along in the Ukrainian Orthodox mass.
Before, during and directly following the service everyone prayed–even very young children and the elderly spent time on their knees or even prostrate on the floor. Some looked at the cross of Jesus; others into the eyes of a painting. Some prayed diligently to the statue of the Virgin Mary, or before a particular saint that might offer solace or an answer to their particular prayer.
I quickly snapped a photo while trying not to disturb those worshipping nearby.
The mass began with the priest’s voice ring out as he sung/prayed to God. At just the right moment, the balcony parishioners sung back their response in Ukrainian. This very traditional mass brought “worshipping” God new meaning. The heart of these people knew and trusted God. I watched as they responded eagerly with their voices; happily kneel in prayer and often prostrate themselves across the floor in prayer. This was a high mass in all its glory–meant to usher everyone present towards God’s throne in worship.
Though I didn’t know Ukrainian, my spirit soared in the presence of God–felt so clearly in this sanctuary. God graciously directed my path here. Hearts are turned towards Him. I hope I understand Jesus’ words a little more (from the Sermon on the Mount: the Beatitudes)
Matthew 5:3-12, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Family values are strong. In a country where anything can happen at any moment–life is celebrated and appreciated. I will miss this city.
