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You cross the creek. Although the water IS swift, because it is only a foot deep, you are able to cross (although you had to work to keep your balance). Across the stream you find a dirt path going through the woods. Siberian pines and oaks surround the path. The smell of flowers from the west mingles with a fragrance of incense from the east. As you approach the dome, you descend down, into the courtyard in front of the giant structure. You walk through bearded men in robes and tall black hats. Some seem to be praying, while others walk silently. They do not seem to be surprised by your coming. You walk up the stone steps to the vestibule and enter the cathedral. Inside, it is dark, with tiny candle flames lighting the icon decorated gold walls. Far up above you make out the forms of saints beaming down from ancient mosaics. Reverently, you go to the altar, passing rows of oak pews with mystical symbols etched in their sides. After venerating the icons on the altar you sit down in one of the pews.

A tiny priest (about 4 feet) invites you to the small partition to the right of the main iconostasis, which stands tall as a huge gate between the holy sanctuary and the inner temple. He tells you it is time to confess all before God and so you may be absoluted. Only then may you take part in the mystical supper.

Confess all, both voluntary and involuntary.
Make a quite dash for it, all this religious stuff is too overwhelming.

By: rakovsky

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