Sergiyev Posad - The Spiritual Heart of Russia

Our first destination on Day 3, 14.09.2025, was Sergiyev Posad, located about 70 km northeast of Moscow. Sergiyev Posad is an old town steeped in history, faith, and culture. It forms part of Russia’s famous “Golden Ring” of ancient cities, but what truly sets it apart is its role as the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Often referred to as the “Russian Vatican”, Sergiyev Posad attracts both pilgrims and travelers who wish to experience a unique blend of religious devotion, medieval architecture, and Russian heritage.

The origins of the town can be traced back to the 14th century, when St. Sergius of Radonezh founded a small monastery in the forests of central Russia. St. Sergius became one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox tradition, known for his humility, piety, and ability to inspire unity among the Russian people during troubled times. Around the monastery, a settlement slowly grew, eventually developing into the town that is now Sergiyev Posad. Even through centuries of change, including wars and the Soviet period when the town was renamed Zagorsk, the monastery and its legacy endured. In 1991, the town regained its historical name, reaffirming its spiritual identity.

Left photo: Statue of St. Sergius. Right photo: A painting on the wall at the entrance showing St. Sergius feeding a bear.

According to tradition, a bear often visited St. Sergius at his humble forest hermitage. Though he lived in great simplicity and frequently lacked even the bare necessities, the saint never turned the creature away. Whatever little food he had, he willingly shared, sometimes giving away his only piece of bread. For Sergius, it was better to go hungry himself than to deny hospitality to the hungry animal. This tender act of compassion not only illustrates his humility and generosity but also reflects the deep harmony he cultivated with all of God’s creation.

Entrance to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius.

The centerpiece of Sergiyev Posad is without question the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a vast monastery complex that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its fortress-like walls stand some of the finest examples of Russian ecclesiastical architecture. 

Within the grounds of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad stand two of the most important monuments of Russian Orthodox Christianity: the Trinity Cathedral and the Assumption Cathedral. Though they rise side by side within the same monastic walls, each church embodies a different era of Russian history, architecture, and spiritual tradition.

The Trinity Cathedral, built in 1422-1423, is the oldest surviving structure in the Lavra and the spiritual heart of the monastery. It was constructed over the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Its white-stone architecture, modest in scale and harmonious in proportion, reflects the early Moscow style of the 15th century. The cathedral is crowned with a cluster of golden domes, later additions that highlight its solemn dignity. The Trinity Cathedral remains a place of pilgrimage, infused with the deep spiritual legacy of St. Sergius.

Trinity Cathedral.

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The photo below is the Assumption (Dormition) Cathedral in the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius at Sergiyev Posad, Russia. The cathedral is notable for its striking blue domes decorated with golden stars and topped with golden crosses. It was built in the mid-16th century (1559-1585) during the reign of Ivan the Terrible, modeled after the Assumption Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin.

The smaller ornate chapel structure in front of the cathedral, painted in pink and white, is the Chapel-over-the-Well, built in the 17th century over a holy spring.

This cathedral is one of the central landmarks of the monastery complex and a key pilgrimage site of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Assumption (Dormition) Cathedral.

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Dominating the skyline is the soaring Baroque-style bell tower, constructed in the eighteenth century, which symbolizes the enduring power of Orthodoxy in Russia.The Bell Tower is one of the tallest structures of its kind in Russia, standing at about 88 m (288 feet). Construction began in the mid-18th century (1741) and continued for several decades, resulting in a richly decorated Baroque-style tower. The tower contains a remarkable set of bells, the largest of which - the Tsar Bell of the Lavra - once weighed over 70 tons.

With its sky-blue and white walls, golden dome, and ornate design, the Bell Tower not only dominates the monastery square but also serves as a visible landmark for miles around Sergiyev Posad. It reflects the grandeur of the Lavra as both a spiritual center and a symbol of Russian Orthodoxy’s enduring presence.

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Beyond its stunning architectural beauty, the monastery remains first and foremost a living center of faith. Pilgrims from every corner of Russia flock to Sergiyev Posad to venerate the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, enshrined in an ornate silver reliquary that has been adorned and revered for centuries. His remains are believed by the faithful to possess miraculous powers, offering comfort, healing, and spiritual strength to those who approach in prayer.

As we wandered through the monastery’s ancient courtyards, we were struck by the sight of long lines of believers waiting patiently to enter the Trinity Cathedral. Once inside, the atmosphere grew solemn and reverent. Pilgrims advanced toward the shrine in a slow-moving procession, many carrying candles or clutching small icons to their hearts. As they drew near, they crossed themselves and bowed deeply. At the reliquary, they reached out to touch it gently with their hands or press their foreheads against its polished surface, whispering prayers for guidance, healing, or inner peace.

For many, this was not a mere ritual but an intimate, personal encounter - an unspoken dialogue with a saint whose humility and devotion shaped Russian spirituality more than six centuries ago. In this way, the relics of St. Sergius are far more than historical artifacts; they are living symbols of faith, binding together generations of Orthodox Christians in a continuous chain of devotion. To stand before his shrine is to feel part of that timeless communion, sharing in the hope and reverence that have drawn countless pilgrims to Sergiyev Posad for centuries.

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We noticed a line of people queuing at the Chapel-over-the-Well - also known as the Shrine over the Spring - within the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, all waiting to collect holy water. Intrigued, we decided to join the queue ourselves to take a closer look at this sacred spot. The spring, which was revealed during renovations of the Dormition (Assumption) Cathedral in 1644, soon became a place of great reverence, and a chapel was later erected above it. Today, visitors draw water from a cross-shaped fountain sheltered beneath a brightly decorated canopy.

Chapel-over-the-Well.

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Today, Sergiyev Posad stands not only as a monument to Russian Orthodoxy but also as a symbol of resilience and identity. It reflects the way faith has shaped Russian culture, art, and society over the centuries. 

For us visitors, a journey to this town is more than a sightseeing trip - it is an immersion into the heart of Russia’s spiritual heritage. 

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Upon completing our tour of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, we adjourned to the nearby Russkiy Dvorik Restaurant, one of the city’s most renowned dining establishments, conveniently situated just across from the monastery complex. The restaurant is celebrated not only for its cuisine but also for its distinctive atmosphere. Designed in the style of a noble Russian manor, its interiors are richly adorned with antiques, period furnishings, and decorative details that evoke the elegance of a bygone era, creating a warm and memorable setting for a meal.

During lunch, we sampled a variety of traditional Russian dishes and other specialties that reflect the depth and character of the nation’s culinary heritage. The combination of authentic flavors, generous portions, and the refined ambiance made the experience feel like an extension of our cultural journey through Sergiyev Posad.

RIP Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin

On the morning of 26.09.2025, I received the heartbreaking news through a WhatsApp chat group that Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin had passed away at 5.50 a.m. that day. The news struck me deeply, coming barely two months after I had been reconnected with my wedding chauffeur (Read here). While Edward was the one who drove the wedding car, it was Rev. Pang who officiated the wedding blessing ceremony, solemnizing our marriage on that memorable morning of 07.04.1979. Her passing feels especially poignant, as both of them are forever intertwined with one of the most significant milestones of my life.

At the time of my wedding, she was just thirty-two - five years my senior - a young pastor appointed as the Pastor-in-Charge of BCCM KK. She was warm, approachable, and down-to-earth, embodying both grace and dedication in her pastoral calling. I had the privilege of working alongside her during my service as a church council member, where she provided steady leadership with humility and kindness.

Later, when she was transferred to BCCM Penampang Chinese congregation, she extended her trust by inviting me several times to helm the pulpit and share sermons with the congregation. Eventually, when she moved on to serve as a lecturer at Sabah Theological Seminary (STS), our paths continued to cross occasionally whenever I attended Board of Governors meetings at the seminary. Each encounter reaffirmed her genuine spirit, steadfast faith, and commitment to nurturing others in ministry.

Her life was also deeply connected to mine in another way. Her husband, Liong Fah, an engineer, was my very first colleague when I began my career in April 1978. At that time, he was heading the KK International Airport Unit, while I was assigned to the same office on secondment to assist with the construction of the new terminal building. Our early professional paths crossed in a way that now feels providential, as it was through these connections that I came to know both him and Rev. Pang, whose lives would touch mine so meaningfully.

Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin’s passing is a profound loss. She was not only a pastor and teacher but also a friend, mentor, and a significant part of my life’s journey. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with her faith, humility, and dedication to God’s work.

A couple of old photos of our wedding blessing ceremony on 07.04.1979 conducted at BCCM KK Church and solemnized by Rev. Dr. Pang.

At that time, female pastoral workers were not permitted to be ordained with the title of “Reverend”. However, a turning point came when a motion was later passed to amend the constitution of the BCCM, paving the way for women to be officially ordained. Rev. Dr. Pang, together with another female pastor, Rev. Chong Fui Yung, made history as the first two women to be ordained as Reverends in BCCM. Their ordination not only marked a significant milestone for gender equality within the church but also served as an inspiration for future generations of women called to pastoral ministry.

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From left: Me, Pastor Yong Tin Jin (In charge of BCCM KK English Congregation), Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin, Captain Donald Soh, WO K Ravi, Rita Ho and WO Liew Yun Fung.

Rev. Dr. Pang also served as the 1st Chaplain of the 2nd Kota Kinabalu Boys Brigade Company which was under the jurisdiction of BCCM KK. I served for a couple of years as a Warrant Officer of the Company in the 1980s.

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The late Rev. Dr. Pang with her husband, Liong Fah.

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Group photo with some of Rev. Dr. Pang's family members and friends after paying our last respects at the Funeral Parlour in the afternoon of 29.09.2025.

At the funeral parlour, I came to know from her family members that Rev. Dr. Pang had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about four and a half years ago, in 2020, during the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite undergoing treatment and bravely facing the illness, she was eventually called home by the Lord Almighty, to enter into her eternal rest.

May her soul rest in peace. 

RIP, Rev. Dr. Pang.

River Cruise in Moskva River Moscow

I’ve always felt that a river running through a city adds a special charm, enriching its beauty and ambience - especially when the water is clean and free from pollution. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed memorable river cruises, such as drifting along the Seine in Paris (Read here) and the Danube in Budapest (Read here). Equally captivating, though in a different way, are the experiences of strolling along the riverbanks and crossing historic bridges. Some of the most delightful walks I’ve had were by the Ljubljanica in Ljubljana, Slovenia (Read here), the Mur in Graz, Austria (Read here), and the Vltava in Prague, Czech Republic (Read here), each offering its own unique perspective of the city.

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The two-and-a-half-hour river cruise along Moskva River in Moscow from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm on 13.09.2025 gave us the perfect window to experience Moscow’s transformation from day into night. We watched as the city shifted from the soft brightness of late afternoon into the golden glow of sunset, before fading into dusk and, at last, the glittering brilliance of city lights. Each stage of this transition offered wonderful opportunities for photography, from shimmering reflections on the river to dramatic silhouettes of the skyline. The interplay of warm sunset tones with the cooler shades of artificial illumination lent the landmarks an even more striking beauty. 

On board, the atmosphere was calm and unhurried, accompanied by gentle background music. We spent much of the time seated in the glass-enclosed dining area, stepping out occasionally to the open decks for a better view. As evening descended, a cool breeze drifted across the water. The river itself seemed to join in the performance, catching the glow of bridges, embankments, and city windows, and turning them into a glittering, almost theatrical display.

Seated with John Wong and his wife, Penny Lim - who

coincidentally, shares the same name as my wife!

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We caught sight of the roof of Luzhniki Stadium. This is the largest sports arena in Russia and one of the most renowned in Europe. Built in 1956 and originally known as the Central Lenin Stadium, it sits on the banks of the Moskva River near Sparrow Hills. Over the decades, it has hosted many historic events, from the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1980 Summer Olympics to the final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. With a capacity of around 81,000 spectators, the stadium has been carefully modernized to meet world-class standards while preserving its original Soviet-era façade. Its vast oval shape and distinctive roofline make it a landmark easily recognizable from the river. Today, Luzhniki continues to serve as a stage for major football matches, international sports tournaments, concerts, and cultural gatherings, standing as both a symbol of Moscow’s sporting heritage and a centerpiece of the city’s skyline.

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During the river cruise, we once again caught sight of some of Moscow’s “fairytale” landmarks, such as the magnificent St. Basil’s Cathedral, which we had admired earlier on land. Seen from the water, however, the cathedral and other landmarks revealed a fresh perspective - casting an even more enchanting spectacle of wonder.

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The tall and imposing structure is the main building of Moscow State University (MSU), also known as Lomonosov Moscow State University. It stands as one of the iconic “Seven Sisters” skyscrapers of Moscow. During the cruise, we had the opportunity to admire it under both daylight and again later, bathed in the softer hues of twilight - each view highlighting a different charm of its grandeur.

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Old and new bridges of different designs.

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Peter the Great Statue, a 98-m-high (322ft) monument, located at the western confluence of the Moskva River and the Vodootvodny Canal in central Moscow, Russia.