Travelling around Estonia, you would notice in a lot of locations a church building dominating the rural landscape. It strikes the eye from far away, and has done so for centuries already. In other places, the church is hidden in a grove of trees, and one must know the way to find it. Some of the sanctuaries may be architectural marvels or accommodate an age-old altar-piece. A house of God may be outwardly modest but shelter all the more thrilling stories.
Whether you encounter in your travels a church that is new or old, grand and glorious or rather humble, the entry would render both the journey and the visit worthwhile.
In many a circumstance, you can get away by just masquerading, but stepping inside a church would expose an inner Hamlet-like dilemma – “to be or not to be”. There, you can be in the Presence – to your last cell, last minute, last thought … Only thus, being in the Presence, free from noise in every respect, you can find what is really worth looking for.
The centre of the church is God – this is what makes it special among other sights. In the church, one may experience what may even be ineffable. Experience something that transcends time and space.
I hope you will find what you are seeking on your journey – some new fact, some soul-stirring story, or even yourself!
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9–10)
Kaija Velmet
Media Consultant, Estonian Council of Churches
AD 2022