My Prayers and Practices: Russian Orthodox Church with Bishop Pitirim Dodenko
A nondescript bungalow in Kovan houses the Russian Orthodox Church. Meet this little-known Christian community in Singapore and learn more about their prayers and practices.
About the Programme
- What You'll Do
- Meet Your Host
- Important Details
What You'll Do
The Russian Orthodox Church of Singapore is a beautiful and culturally significant place of worship. This tour offers participants an exclusive entry into the church where the congregation gathers for worship.
Look out for the unique interior design, characterised by a combination of Byzantine and Russian styles, where the walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting biblical scenes, saints, and other religious imagery. These paintings serve to inspire devotion and create a sense of holiness within the space. The colours used are typically rich and symbolic, with gold accents and intricate details.
Another attraction is the extension use of iconostasis, a wall of icons that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church. The iconostasis is an important element in Russian Orthodox churches and plays a significant role in worship. It usually consists of multiple tiers of icons, depicting various saints, the Virgin Mary, and Christ. The icons are considered windows into the divine and are venerated by the faithful.
Bishop Pitirim will also share about the concept of neighbours in Christianity. For Christians, the famous biblical commandment “Love your neighbour as yourself” emphasises the importance of showing compassion towards their neighbours irrespective of their backgrounds.
Meet Your Host
About Bishop Pitirim Dodenko
Bishop Pitirim Dodenko was born in Odessa, Ukraine, the Summer residence of the Russian Tsars and a major Black Sea port. Pitirim arrived in Singapore in 2003, a layperson without much relationship with religion. In his own words, he got ‘too happy’ in Singapore and, in a rather ironic fashion, began to feel disquieted with his present state. It was during this time that he felt the draw of religion and began to attend the Russian Orthodox Church’s services. In 2020, Pitirim was recommended for promotion to a Bishop. He is now the Bishop of Jakarta and Vicar of the Metropolitanate of Singapore.
About the Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Diocese of Singapore was established in 12 October 2007, after a 2003 tour of Southeast Asia convinced Metropolitan Kirill (now the Patriarch of Moscow, the highest authority in the Russian Orthodox Church) that the Russian diaspora needed a religious community to cohere towards. The Parish Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos was thus established, first at Hillview, then moved in 2014 to the present location at 110 Highland Road. A larger premise is now under construction, and will be on the grounds of a Russian Cultural Centre. The Russian Orthodox community has steadily grown and now boasts a healthy congregation of a few hundred believers.
More Details
What to bring?
- Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
- Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration.
- The tour will proceed rain or shine.
- The nearest carpark is at 201-204 Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530204. (Approx. 10 min walk).
- The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is allowed at event premises.
Disclaimer
- All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
Time and Duration
Days & Dates
Saturday, 12 August 2023
Ticket Price
(excluding Eventbrite service fee)
Meeting Point
Ending Point
Language(s) / Age Limit(s)
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