Dear Wayfarer, while holding this guide to Estonian churches, let us think about the wider meaning of wayfaring. We start out from the paths of our childhood and walk our way through school and life, trying to find something beautiful, permanent and eternal. While on the road, we are always faced with choices and they can entail losses or discoveries, rushing heedlessly or paying attention to detail. The manner and mentality of setting out on a journey are important as well.
It is a method for reaching somethingessential. Estonian sanctuaries havebeen witnesses to the joys and sorrowsof our ancestors and sometimes alsoof our own; they are physical andmental landmarks on this changingand windy landscape. They remind usthat we are coming from somewhereand are heading for something.
On the opposite side of grand wayfaring is the concept of patos – a small path that describes internal spiritual movement towards the world of personal memories and imagination. Thus, the few steps from the open church door to the altar, accompanied by a silent prayer, can gift us a meetings with the One who says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Dear Wayfarer, I wish you shelter and protection and a discovery of the essential.
Pastor Joosep Tammo
Vice-President of the Estonian Council of Churches