The XI Znamensky Orthodox Festival was held in the Tver region

On Saturday, May 20, the XI Znamensky Orthodox Festival was held at the Temple of the Sign of the Mother of God in the village of Shchekoldino in the Tver Region. He was dedicated to the year of the teacher and mentor. The event was organized by the Department of Education of the Zubtsovsky District Administration, the Zubtsovsky Deanery and the Moscow Patriarchate of the Rzhev Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. Also, the initiative group for the construction of the Znamensky Church joined the event.

It is symbolic that at the beginning of such a bright and kind event, the sky was covered with gray clouds. But when they began to go on stage with beautiful and complex choreographic performances and songs, the clouds dispersed and the sun peeped through the light clouds. As is usually the case at Orthodox festivals, despite the large number of guests, there was no noise and fuss. Even the children were quiet. Instead of the haste, familiar to the city dweller, a peaceful atmosphere reigned. In addition, the place itself also literally had a place to relax from the hustle and bustle – the site was equipped on the banks of the Vazuzsky reservoir.

In honor of the new temple

The idea of ​​holding the Znamensky Festival appeared relatively recently, in 2013. It was then that the construction of the temple began. The very first festival was held on the day of consecration and laying of its foundation, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Adrian of Rzhev and Toropetsk. Since then, the Znamensky Festival has been gathering regular participants and more and more guests every year. Gradually, it reached the interregional level, becoming one of the most significant events in the cultural and spiritual life of the Tver region.

The scene of this large-scale event every year gathers more than 500 people from the Tver, Smolensk and Moscow regions. Someone performs individually, many are united in large creative teams. If we talk about the residents of the Zubtsovsky district, then the Znamensky Orthodox Festival has already become one of their favorite spring holidays, having won its place in their hearts.

Start of the festival

Before the start of the festival, a prayer service was held early in the morning in the Church of the Sign. Despite the fact that it was a day off, there were already many regular parishioners of the temple and guests who came to Shchekoldino. At the end of the prayer there was a long bell ringing, which put an end to the completion of the ceremony and at the same time a pause-ellipsis in the event.

It was to give guests time to stroll around the fair. It unfolded a real exhibition of not only masters of folk art, but also artists from various parts of the country. Also, parishioners and festival participants could taste delicious porridge, pilaf and shish kebab in the nearby field kitchen and buffet.

Soon, children and teenagers with face paint began to appear on the site. They approached the stage, looking at it with interest, and ran further in search of friends, with whom they came to the festival together. By the way, it is worth noting that there were quite a lot of young people among the guests.

Be closer to God

In parallel with the opportunity to visit the exhibition and try something new, demonstration performances by young bell ringers from Rzhev, Tver, and Moscow were held at master classes for all lovers of Orthodox music. Also, for the first time, pupils of the local bell-ringing school took part in the festival. What is especially worth noting is that for demonstration performances they did not go on stage behind a small installation, but went up to the bell tower of the temple itself. Here for the guys everything was real. After that, about 35 creative teams performed in front of the audience at a big concert not only from Tver, but also from Smolensk, Samara, Moscow regions and Moscow. All of them brought together more than 500 talented guys on one stage. According to the organizers, more than 100 teams applied for participation, and the best of them had to be chosen. But in future plans to make the festival not one-day, but at least two days, so that everyone could come to perform.

Orthodox missionaries also had conversations with the guests of the festival. They not only answered people’s questions about how to deal with this or that situation, but also talked about what the life of an Orthodox person should be like. Everyone who turned to the missionaries or simply approached by chance left with an understanding of himself and faith.

Comfortable and safe

What should be noted separately is the provision of comfort for all guests of the festival. Since the weather is changeable in spring, sheds were prepared from the sun or heavy rain. Under them, a sufficient number of benches and tables were installed to accommodate almost all the guests of the event. If someone wanted to sit on the grass, then he did not risk finding a tick under his clothes – the entire territory was treated with special preparations that repel parasites.

By the way, outdoor games were also organized here for children and adults. For the little ones and those who like quiet entertainment, wooden figurines of a giraffe and a goose about a meter high were installed. It was necessary to try to throw rings on their necks from a short distance. But for all the active ones there was an opportunity to join the ball games.

They also provided reliable security. Police officers, ambulances and the Ministry of Emergency Situations were on duty near the site. The festival lasted only one day, but was filled with activities for every taste and for all ages.