Orthodox Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place. A pilgrimage is a term primarily used in religion and spirituality of a long journey or search of great moral significance. Sometimes, it is a journey to a sacred place or shrine of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. Members of most every religion participate in pilgrimages. A person who makes such a journey is called a pilgrim.
Nothing will ever substitute for a personal visit to a Holy Monastery but sometimes it is impossible to make such a long pilgrimage, especially many mile from home. Many times a busy life will not allow you to make such a long pilgrimages from America. Also money be an obstacle for making long overseas pilgrimages, and a pilgrimage is expensive for most. However, you can visit some of the places where famous Orthodox shrines are found thru the internet now day and then select the places that most interest you for your best personal pilgrimage.
Christianity Pilgrimages were first made to sites connected with the life, birth and crucifixion of Jesus. Descriptions of Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land date from the 4th century, when pilgrimage was encouraged by church fathers like Saint Jerome. Pilgrimages also began to be made to Rome and other sites associated with the Apostles, Saints and Christian martyrs,and as well to places where there have been alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Pilgrimage to holy places is an important in site of the life of a Russian Orthodox Christian and it provides for an excellent opportunity for pilgrims to get acquainted with the Russian history, architecture, iconography and handicrafts. The true heart of an pilgrimage is certainly the spiritual experience and your effort in prayer that is acquired when visiting a Holy monastery. As the most important part of an pilgrimage is its spiritual education that you receive. As you visit holy places you learn the history and spiritual traditions of each monasteries and church that you will be visiting. When you are on a pilgrimage you will learn about also the saints and be able to talk to some of the hiromonks or if your blessed maybe even an Elder for some spiritual directors. Visiting a web site is only a very small fraction of what you can receive compared to visiting them in person.
Also, an pilgrims could bring important items like foodstuffs and/or make monetary donations. For many reviving monasteries, this support is essential, especially when it is given on a regular basis for their support of all pilgrims. Most monasteries accept programs and some go to great lengths to make sure your pilgrimage is successful for you and you family. Besides, part of the pilgrimage returns has been used to restore churches under which some pilgrimage services work.
Faithful pilgrims have visited this Holy Monastery for many centuries in order to rest, to pray, and to be spiritually revived before returning to their life and struggles in the world. Visiting this Holy Monastery is indeed a special blessing. Where many Orthodox Christians have gotten their lives recharged and acquired a more intent life in Christ. So can you!
Many, monks, pilgrims, and visitors have felt God's special presence here at the Korennaya (Kursk Root) Monastery. Rejoicing to God when others are able to come and share this Blessed Monastery and join in prayers.
Always remember while visiting the monastery that the monks have left the secular life and be respectful. There are a few guest quarters for Pilgrims who would like to stay at the monastery. It is very important for all who are interested in a pilgrimage to make prior arrangements before you arrive at the Monastery. Many people come just to receive the special Holy Kursk Root Spring water. Many christians find that the experience is deep emotional one for pilgrims
There is a nice but small Hotel in Svodoba, just before you enter the Korennaya Hermitage (Russian language only). Kursk, Russia is about 32k away and the last bus leaves Svodoba at about 18:00 See: Korennaya Hermitage Pilgrimage for more information. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME !
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Korennaya Hermitage Pilgrimage 
