Russian Olympic Team Sent Off To The Vancouver Games With A Prayer: Sport And Religion
On January 28, the Russian Olympic Team, all 175 members of it, will be sent off to the Vancouver Games with a blessing from Patriarch Kirill at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. A special church service will be held to pray for the Russian athletes at the 2010 Olympics. After the service that will be broadcast live, the team will be heading off to Vancouver. On February 10, the Russian flag will be raised in a ceremony at the Olympic village.
The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow -- Photo by Flickr user renata ®
It turns out the tradition to bless the athletes before the Olympics has been observed since 1996 in Russia. Arguably, it is one of those “only in Russia” moments. From my own observation, the presence of religion, which is predominately Orthodox Christianity in Russia, has been a lot more tangible in the Russian society lately, and the athletes are no exception.
I have been noticing a lot of Russian athletes openly crossing themselves and praying before their performances. Of course, back in the Soviet times, that was unheard of. But now, it is definitely becoming more commonplace. From figure skaters to vault jumpers, I see more and more Russian athletes not being afraid or embarrassed to show their religious believes. Many say that religious openness ruined the image of the impeccable, confident sports nation that Russia once was. On the other hand, it is a manifestation of religious freedom to do whatever helps you, as an athlete, to compete better.
It is interesting that the IOC is taking the role of religion in sport a lot more seriously now. The Vancouver Olympic Village will have a religious service center open throughout the Games. The five major religions – Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Hinduism – will have worship rooms set up in the center. Even during the 2008 Summer Games in communist China, a religious service center was set up for the athletes to use.