This is most likely going to be the last weekend I have before I start cramming everything I didn’t do or want to do again into my schedule. So I over indulged in my relaxation rime. I spent Saturday in bed and reading for at least 4 hours. I also napped for at least 2 hours and showered. As the evening approached at a most relaxing and comfortable pace, I got ready to meet Eva and Marta. Tonight is Marta’s last night in St. Petersburg before my Polka returns to Poland. They were so sweet and took the metro to my stop so I wouldn’t have to go far from home. I wouldn’t have an escort home this time, so I didn’t want to go out for too long. We went to an Angels and Demons themed bar right across from the metro. We drank, talked about organized religions, holy scriptures, and spirituality, watched Marta dance like a “gangsta” as she frequently referred to herself as being that night, and then hugged and parted ways. They were going to the club called Datcha; I was going home. I had promised Sul-ki that I would come to church with her the next day. I have been either busy or too tired to trek all the way out to church but swore I would come this week. I knew it would be a bad idea to try and do both Datcha and Church, so I snuggled in my bed and passed out.
Church was fascinating. I was greeted by a group of maybe 15 people: mostly Koreans, but a still few Russians. They were very excited that I was American, smiled and were just overall extremely welcoming. It was held in a small room in a Church building that was quite derelict. The room had 2 rows of folding chairs, and a bench along the back of the room. Because I had no Idea what was being said, I spent the majority, if not the entire service, reading parts from the Bible Sul-ki lent me. Hers is in Korean on one side and English on the other. The Bible is both very specific about some things, but in other places is extraordinarily vague. I believe this is what contributes to the large number of interpretations, conflicts etc.
After the service, I was bombarded with invitations to join them all in fellowship and eat hotdogs with them. Though extremely tempting for me vegan self, I decided it would be best to get home. I told Irina that morning where I was going and when I would be back, so I wanted to honor that. I rode the metro and walked home thinking of what I’d just experienced. I find the concept of organized religion both beautiful and terrifying. I’ve witnessed the generosity of a community of one faith, but I’ve also heard contradiction to the statement “everyone is equal” preached to hundreds of people. We all know people who strongly reject religion, and those whose lives revolve entirely around their faith. We also know people who don’t fall into either category.
After the service today I believe even more strongly that it is unreasonable to say that there is only one correct way to do anything, when so many ways exist. This could be the way to heaven or it could be the way to the metro. You can take a parkway or pledge, a bike or a specific burial. They’re all going to get you there eventually.
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