Sunday, 25 May 2014

Golgota - Crucifixion Skete, Solovetsky Islands

What is a skete?

A Skete is a monastic community in Eastern Christianity that allows relative isolation for monks, but also allows for communal services and the safety of shared resources and protection. It is one of four early monastic orders along with the eremitic, lavritic and coenobitic that became popular during the early formation of the Christian Church.

On the front of the postcard:

АРХАНГЕЛЬСКАЯ  ОБЛАСТЬ         =        Arkhangel'skaya Oblast    
СОЛОВЕЦКИЕ  ОСТРОВА              =        Solovetsky Islands
ГОЛГОФО-РАСПЯТСКИЙ  СКИТ    =        Golgotha Crucifixion Skete

The Solovetsky Archipelago is located in the middle of the White Sea, only a hundred miles south of the Arctic Circle. The archipelago consists of six islands, known collectively as the Solovki.  Historically the islands have been the setting of the famous Russian Orthodox Solovetsky Monastery complex. It was founded in the second quarter of the 15th century.  The above skete is connected with the Monastery and is on the island of Anzer.

This postcard came from Dmitry Rybin (21 May 2014) Postcrossing Direct Swap.

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