A pilgrimage trip is not an entertaining and pleasure trip. A person goes on a pilgrimage with specific goals: visiting and worshiping shrines, cleansing his soul from sins, participating in the sacraments of confession and communion. On a pilgrimage trip, you must follow the rules of conduct.
How to prepare for a pilgrimage trip
The pilgrimage can be done both independently and in a specially organized group. If this is your first time on the pilgrimage, it is best to visit the holy places with an organized group. Almost every diocese has a pilgrimage center that will offer you a travel schedule, transport and a senior in the group.
Pilgrimage trips can be one-day or multi-day. In the Orthodox tradition, it is customary to take on a trip the blessing of a priest or spiritual father. Prepare in advance what you need on the bus trip. Clothes should be modest, comfortable and appropriate for the season, it is advisable to take warm clothes even in summer. The main thing is to tune in to a meeting with the shrine, so during the trip you can read prayers, akathists, Holy Scripture.
How to behave on a pilgrimage trip
You need to arrive at the specified bus departure time in advance. Sometimes a prayer service for travelers is served before setting off on a trip. It should be understood that it is necessary to listen and fulfill the requirements of the elder in the group. During the trip, show respect for the driver, the eldest in the group, find out if people who make the pilgrimage with you need help.
How to behave in a monastery
One must behave modestly in a monastery. Women should wear long skirts and have their heads covered. You cannot walk in the monastery during services, talk loudly, or distract monastics. One should approach the shrine with prayer and reverence in bodily and spiritual purity. First, cross yourself twice with bows and venerate the reliquary with the relics of the saint, then cross again and bow. It is advisable to attend services in the monastery, to confess and receive communion.
