Lavra

We really enjoyed going and seeing the Lavra.  One of the churches there was built in 1055!  We were able to see some of the original frescos, but other frescos have since had to be restored.  We also go to see some Ukrainian Orthodox monks, and see part of an actual church service.  The women all covered their heads before entering the cathedral for the service.  I put my scarf on my head to enter and hear the priest praying.  People crossed themselves and bowed after the prayers.  The priest says all of the prayers in Slavionc, not in Ukrainian or Russian.

Also at the Lavra, we saw an 80-year-old man dressed in his soldier uniform.  Maria, our young professional, told us that this man was a general.  She said that he would not be offended if we asked him to take a picture with us.  He seemed honored, and that he did not want to be forgotten.  He was a very sweet old man.  Chauncey said that he was one of the oldest men he had ever seen in Ukraine.  The average life-expectancy of a Ukrainian woman is 73, but the average life expectancy of a Ukrainian man is only 60 (arguably in large part because of alcoholism).