Russian North by phmlq

Russian North

Last few days we've been exploring what's called Russian North (which is actually not all the north of the country, but few northern regions in the European part of Russia) that is famous mostly for its' wooden architecture.

And when they say architecture, they mean churches. Partly because back when they were built churches objectively were the most beautiful buildings in most villages. Partly because most of these villages are abandoned now and everything else is destroyed and only churches are being aggressively rebuilt and reconstructed while nobody really cares about those decomposing houses around.

And when you visiting these churches you cannot just enjoy the architecture and craftsmanship of old times. You have to listen again and again about religion, God and orthodoxy. And then again. And again. And again.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not an atheist. I believe in greater powers, which I don't want to label with any particular name or word. But I know they are exist. And I'm not against of any religion. The thing I'm against of is propaganda.

Religious propaganda is very strong nowadays in Russia. I guess it's mostly because they couldn't think of any other national idea, so they're going with religion and 'being proud of what we've done during the World War II' (And I'm proud of what my grandgrandfathers did back then, I just don't think that spending all of your energy on being proud and do nothing else for your society while your unlivable cities are buried in tons of garbage is a very good idea). You can hear about it everyday from every kettle and every hair dryer. Churches are being built everywhere one next to another instead of parks, hospitals and kindergartens our cities are lacking of.

So, even though I love Russian North, I love the way it feels, I love the architecture, I couldn't truly enjoy it. And we're heading somewhere else.
I love the shot. I admire the amazing architecture of some churches but admit it's hard to justify the use of money and resources to promote religions when people are in such need. I see the value in supporting art and creating beauty but do not see the need for such excess.
May 22nd, 2019  
Beautiful shot, liked the story
May 22nd, 2019  
Beautiful shot, love the perspective.
May 22nd, 2019  
interesting
May 22nd, 2019  
Love this little church. fav
May 23rd, 2019  
I would love the architecture, but I don't want to hear about the religion thanks :)
May 23rd, 2019  
amazing shot, great POV ~ fav
May 23rd, 2019  
very pretty church on a hill~ Impressive
Welcome to 365
May 25th, 2019  
Very good perspective and colours!
June 4th, 2019  
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