A pilgrimage trip is not an entertaining or pleasure trip. A person goes on a pilgrimage for certain purposes: visiting and worshiping shrines, cleansing his soul from sins, participating in the sacraments of confession and communion. On a pilgrimage, you must follow the rules of conduct.
How to prepare for a pilgrimage trip
Pilgrimage can be made both independently and in a specially organized group. If this is your first pilgrimage, it is best to visit holy places with an organized group. In almost every diocese, there is a pilgrimage center that will offer you travel schedules, provide transportation and the eldest in the group.
Pilgrimage trips are one-day and multi-day. In the Orthodox tradition, it is customary to take the blessing of a priest or spiritual father on a trip. Prepare in advance what you will need on a bus trip. Clothing should be modest, comfortable and appropriate for the season, it is advisable to take warm clothes even in the summer. The main thing is to tune in to a meeting with the shrine, so during the trip you can read prayers, akathists, Holy Scripture.
How to behave on a pilgrimage trip
You need to arrive at the indicated departure time of the bus in advance. Sometimes before going on a trip, a prayer service for travelers is served. It should be understood that it is necessary to listen and comply with the requirements of the elder in the group. During the trip, show respect to the driver, the oldest in the group, find out if help is needed for people who make the pilgrimage with you.
How to behave in a monastery
In the monastery you must behave modestly. Women should be in a long skirt and with a covered head. You cannot go to the monastery during the service, talk loudly, or distract the monks. One must approach the shrine with prayer and reverence in bodily and spiritual purity. First cross twice with bows and venerate the shrine with the relics of a saint, then cross again and make a bow. It is advisable to attend services in the monastery, to confess and partake of the sacrament.
