A Causeni Sunday

Church Orthodox style Causeni

I had only ever really been to observe these services and I had always founsd them very ritualistic and distant.

Today I decided to go with an open heart to participate.

No one seemed to mind me not entering into the ways of honouring the Icons but I sat and joined in the chorus that the people burst out with at unexpectant intervals.

There seemed to be little sign of anyone leading or controlling proceedings and the more I observed it seemed like individuals on a personal journey going from one Icon to another.

The more I observed and looked into the paintings the more i appreciatesd what was possibly going on.

Certainly in a time when reading was not readily available to all, to come and loo at the artistic impressions of the stories from the Bible must have been very helpful.

I took this photo to show the younger girl taking part on the most part it was woman but their were a few men too! I have no idea when proceedings started though - people just come and go as they see fit.

paying their own respects to the various iconic biblical figures round the church

I was sat just meditating but was aware most had left the alter area to go over to the otherside of the church.

Eventually I decided to see what was happening, was so glad i did as it was a wonderful scene!

There was mainly loaves of bread and they had placed candles all over them and the priest was carrying out some form of blessing. I thought it was communion at first. Anyway the blessing was completed and then the loaves were given to the people. I was even given a loaf I felt warmly accepted.

I dont know if it is a weekly ritual or was a special event - I might be here in a fortnights time to find out!

I was later surprised to be part of a church picture - maybe taken for the Moldovan Celebrations - but despite not being able to communicate much I had found it a very warm experience!



Afternoon walk

I walked out from where i live following the road

This is a typical Moldovan style house I include it because of the simple animal carvings

I also found this smaller church where a baptism of a young baby was just to commence.

I climbed up through thre houses to the woods above following dirt tracks which went between the dwellings ... everywhere their was animals and birds and grapes hanging from vines!

I made a painting looking back across the plain of the river where I had been two days previously across to the silos where I had been taken to see Lenin by Svetlana.

In the foreground the church can be seen and the corrugated iron roof of a Moldovan house so different to the Russian style apartments that I had passed which could be anywhere in the Soviet Union as far as I can make out!












left a sinilar view to my painting with the flood plain and silos with geese coming up to roost as I make my way back down the hill in the early evening,

These houses that all seem to be individual style apartments are so different to the Soviet Style apartments that I stay in, and also passed on my walk (see right). I find them quite comfortable with all the basic amentities and nice big rooms but they are all very standard and could equally be found in Chisinau or Kiev and probably all over the Soviet Union.

Dinner time

Well i am becoming accustomed and adapting to life here. Three of us sat down to dinner together tonight, Olga her father and I it was nice - a lot easier because when I am on my own their are soo many plates and dishes I am not sure what goes with what! I aslo bought some beer to share with Boris.