Baptism Day

Today was really a good day. It was also the last Ukrainian holiday of the season. Today is Baptism day. You can find a little more about the different holidays they celebrate on this post. One of the things they do on the eve of Baptism day is, they set containers of water outside over night. This somehow makes the water holy. Then the water can be used to help cleanse you and your home. We decided that we would celebrate the holiday with some religious activities.

So we once again visited the Church we saw the other day. This church is the largest in Ukraine and it is like it's owen very little town. Today, since it was a holiday it was free to get in. But, there were lines and lines of people where. Many of them were waiting to fill up bottles with the Holy Water from the church. It was interesting to see.

The reason we went back was to see the catacombs under the Church. They have tunnels and tunnels of caves that hold the mummified bodies of their Saints. Most of them are from the 13th Century, but there were a few that dated as far back as 1015ad. It was quite amazing to experience. Most of them were completely covered, but there were some that had their hands or feet poking out of the covers. Looking at the mummified hands of a person was a little trippy. 
I wanted to take pictures of them, but we were not allowed. to take any kinds of camera or even cell phones into the caves. They are obviously considered a sacred place. They Ukrainians that were in the caves with us would kiss the glass coffins and pray at each one. This was also a very interesting ritual to watch. We had an amazing time wandering around this enormous church.

They were ringing the big bell and people were touching it. So I did too!

The big cathedral

The bell tower in the mist.

not sure!!

walking around the monastery

The exit of the close caves

TJ and a priest.

Lunch at that monastery cafe

Borsch

After we arrived back at the Metro station by our apartment we walked into the square and were greeted by about 20 or Swat team police. We tried to ask what was going on but no one could (or would) tell us. What we did get was that it was a demonstration of some kind. There was a large group of people, a lot of flag waving and a very angry man on a microphone. The big red flag in the picture says "No to Capitalism and to Fascism", and maybe say no to drugs was on there somewhere! While I wanted to stay and get some better pictures of the demonstrators, TJ and Mike didn't think that it was a good idea. So we headed back to the apartment and got changed for the next part of our day.

Some of the Swat team

Demonstrators

More swat team

View from our apartment of the demonstrators

After a quick change and grabbing our stuff we headed back out to the Metro, hoping that the demonstration had ended. We had decided however, that we shouldn't talk or look people in the eye, just in case. I failed quite epically at the not looking and smiling at people. I guess its cause " I like smiling. Smilings my favorite!" Luckily no one tried to jump us!!
Instead we jumped on the metro and then a fun little bus called a Marshrutka. This little bus that was filled all the way up, bounced along the pot hole filled road and took us to the Kiev Temple. It was a beautiful sight to see. Usually the church tries to build Temples that fit somewhat into the surrounding areas architecture. But this Temple stands out completely and its truly amazing.

we ran into the missionaries. One of them was from Orem

walking to the Temple

Excited to be at the Temple

I read a talk when I was in youth about someone driving down the strip in Las Vegas and talking about how beautiful and amazing it was, only to then visit the Las Vegas Temple and come to understand the real meaning of beauty. That is how I felt today. We had witnessed an amazing thing at the orthodox Church this morning. We watched as hundreds and hundreds of people worshiped, in a beautiful old church. But when we arrived at the LDS Temple, there was such a beautiful feeling of peace there, it was truly stunning. I think I understood the difference between what the world views as beautiful and what the Lords view of true beauty is, and I am so grateful for that knowledge. The Temple allowed me a feeling of peace and comfort that brought me to tears.
I love the thought that I can be anywhere in the world and still be able to experience the beauty and peace of the Temple. It was also amazing to see so many Ukrainians there. What a blessing it is for these saints to have a Temple in Kiev.

Today was such a wonderful day. I look forward to being able to attend church with these wonderful people in the morning.
If you ever get a chance to visit an LDS Temple, especially a foreign speaking one, you should. It is an amazing experience.