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Religious Practices and Places of Worship you can see in Russia

Finding Your Mandir/Masjid/Gurudwara/Church Far From Home: Religion & Community in Russia for Desi MBBS Students

 

Hello Future Docs! So you've landed in Russia to fulfill your MBBS dreams - great job! You're going to learn tons, make friends for life, and experience an entirely new culture. But be real with us for a minute: Being far from family, familiar surroundings, and your normal spiritual community sometimes feels… isolating.

 

That's why I'd like to talk about something that's really significant: keeping your spiritual health up while you're in Russia. No matter if you're very religious or just appreciate the sense of community that comes with your beliefs, having that connection in your new environment can make all the difference.

 

Lucky us, though, Russia isn't all onion-domed churches and babushkas (though great in their own right too!). Russia guarantees its citizens a constitutional freedom of religion, and thus you'll have no difficulty discovering communities and sites of worship accommodating your heritage. As an Indian student, understanding the religious situation can not just assuage your mind but also open doors to yet another aspect of the multiculturalism in Russia.

 

Knowing the Main Player: Russian Orthodox Christianity

 

Okay, let's have the elephant in the room: Russian Orthodox Christianity is Russia's biggest religion. You'll see those beautiful Orthodox churches everywhere, and their history is inextricably linked with the country's identity.

 

Here's a quick crash course:

 

• Icons: Windows to Another World: Icons (holy images) are actually enormous. They're not pictures; they're considered a portal to the divine.

•  Services: Long and Meaningful: Orthodox services are long, with plenty of chanting, praying, and incense. It's a sensory experience!

•  Calendar Quirks: They use the Julian calendar, so their Christmas and Easter are on different days than you might be used to. Just a heads-up!

•  Church Etiquette: Dress Modestly: If you attend an Orthodox church, dress modestly (cover shoulders and head, wear long sleeves and long pants/skirt). Ladies, bring a scarf to put on your head. Be respectful, and keep the noise level down.

 

Outside the Churches: Discovering Your Spiritual Tribe

 

Here's the great part: Russia's not Orthodox Christianity alone. It's got a great mix of religions and cultures!

 

•  Islam: A Strong Presence: Russia has a significant Muslim population, especially in regions like Tatarstan and the North Caucasus. Mosques can be seen in the majority of cities, offering prayers and community events.

•  Buddhism: Finding Serenity: Buddhism was born from regions like Buryatia, Tuva, and Kalmykia. Visit Buddhist temples (also known as "datsans") for breathtaking architecture and peace.

•  Judaism: Finding History: Jewish communities exist in the majority of Russian cities. Look for synagogues with services and cultural activities.

•  Hinduism: A Growing Community: Hinduism is present, with temples and communities for different gods. ISKCON centers in some cities offer vegetarian meals and devotional programs.

•  And More! Smaller numbers of other religions are represented as well.

 

Finding Your Spiritual Home Away From Home: Practical Tips

 

So okay, how exactly do you end up finding somewhere to practice your faith and participate with a community? 

 

•  Google Up: Search up temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, or synagogues in your area. A majority of them will have sites or social pages with info. 

•  Ask Other Desis: Make sure to visit Indian student societies! They will be able to advise you with the best pointers and make contacts for local societies.

•  Talk to the University: Your international student office in your university could have a religious resources list.

•  Ask Around! It is okay to ask locals for tips.

•  Look Around: Go check out different houses of worship until you find a good fit.

 

Tips for Growing Your Faith in Russia:

 

•  Create Your Holy Space: Claim a quiet space in your dorm for praying, meditating, or contemplation.

•  Read Your Texts: Stay in touch with your scriptures and religious writings.

•  Observe Holidays: Even From Afar: Try to recognize and mark your religious holidays. Even small rituals count a lot.

•  Go Online: Connect With Your Tribe Virtually: If you are unable to find a local community, join an online community for support and fellowship.

• Share Your Faith (Respectfully): Be open to sharing your faith with others, but also be respectful and never attempt to force your religion on anyone.

 

Studying MBBS in Russia is an amazing experience. And having a way to connect with your faith and community can make it all the more rewarding. Don't forget to be respectful of everyone's beliefs, open-minded about the diversity you are surrounded by, and create a spiritual home away from home! This will keep you grounded, find your strength, and face the challenges of studying abroad with confidence. Good luck, future doc! May your spiritual experience in Russia be enriching and rewarding!

 

SIMPLE ADMISSION PROCESS

No hefty donations, no entrance exams, no hassle for documentation just your dream MBBS study and you. RUS OVERSEAS does everything for you from scratch. We make sure you don’t have to do rounds of rotation and get fed up with the process of admission. From beginning to end, we are with you. 

 

THE PROCESS

Eligibility: 

• 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in Class 12.
• Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
•   NEET Qualification: Mandatory for Indian students.

 

Invitation letter: 

After RUS OVERSEAS submits your documents in the university. The university issues you an invitation letter. 

 

Visa process: 

Once the invitation letter arrives. The company will start your visa processing and in a few days you will be on the plane to Russia. 

HOW RUS OVERSEAS HELPS YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY

RUS OVERSEAS has the experience of more than a decade. Our team is supportive and cares for the students wholeheartedly. We are available 24/7. Your one stop solution for MBBS abroad is us. We at RUS OVERSEAS will never disappoint any student or parent in their fulfilling journey with us.

 

CONTACT US

Phone: +91 9560533703

Email:  info@rusoverseas.com