The Consul General of Israel visited the Smolensk cemetery - St. Petersburg Metropolistranslated

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

📷 Germash19 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The Consul General of Israel visited the Smolensk cemetery St. Petersburg Metropolis

Source: GN: Diocese of Saint Petersburg · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (7) 🌐 Show original

Emily Walker

Interesting visit. Did the consul stop by St. Xenia’s chapel while he was there?

طوني معلوف

Yes, Consul General Israel visited Smolenskoye and stopped at the Church of St. Ksenia. I heard that the priest who was with him pointed to the old cross above the grave, and this thing attracts all foreign visitors.

Rebecca Smith

Yes, the consul did visit St. Xenia’s chapel — the article mentions he lit a candle there and spent a few quiet minutes. I wonder if he was struck by how many people still come every day with their notes and prayers, even in the rain.

Photini Miller

The article does say he lit a candle and stood quietly for a bit. I was there last week on a weekday and still saw half a dozen people slipping their folded notes into the railings even though it was pouring. Have you been to the chapel on a busy Saturday?

ميشيل حداد

Yes, I heard about this visit too. The ancient cross above the tomb of Saint Ksenia really attracts attention, especially to foreigners. Do you know if the consul asked about her life story or just stopped to pray?

Basil Young

Yeah, the article caught that quiet moment with the candle. I stopped by on a Tuesday afternoon last month and counted at least eight people tucking notes in despite the drizzle. Ever notice how the railings get so full they have to clear them out every couple of weeks?

Thomas Hall

Yeah, that quiet moment with the candle stuck with me too. I slipped a note in myself last time I was there, rain or not. Have you ever gone on a Saturday when the chapel gets packed?

More stories