Friday, August 19, 2016

Goritzy: Kirillo-Belozersky monastery and public school

On Wednesday (August 17th), we docked at Goritzy and traveled by bus to visit the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery.  This monastery was founded as an abbey originally in 1397 by two monks.  The monastery sits on the shores of Severskoye Lake.


The monastery grew to be quite a complex and included fortress-like walls and guard towers. Many tsars provided support, tax breaks and contributions. Even Ivan the Terrible!






After leaving the monastery, we were fortunate to be able to tour the local school.  Even though the students are still on summer break, two students were there to give us a tour and small performance of traditional songs.  It is a great honor to be selected as the student giving us the tour - she was amazing!




Her fellow student performed several songs in traditional Russian costume. 




The school is quite proud of both academic and sports achievements. There are two walls dedicated to displaying their honors and trophies.  








English is the most popular foreign language taught here (they are looking for more English teachers!)




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