The Mysticism of the Orthodox Church

Although Orthodoxy in Estonia is associated above all with the Russian cultural space, it comes as a surprise to many that Estonia also has the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church, known also as the Greek church. The history of the Cathedral of St Simeon and the Prophetess Anna reaches back to the times of Peter the Great. This 18th-century wooden church is the best place to get a closer look at the mysterious world of Orthodox mysticism, traditions and icons. As a member of its board, I have the pleasure of welcoming you to my church. I’ll tell you where the Orthodox church in Estonia comes from, what it lived through during the Soviet period and what challenges it faces today. I’ll compare its customs and traditions with those of the Lutheran church. I’ll speak about icons and candles, and about how a single candle lit before an icon can change someone’s life forever.