In August, a group of Orthodox pilgrims from the Bishkek and Yekaterinburg dioceses completed their tenth ascent of Mount Saint Catherine, located at an elevation of 4,250 meters in the Kyrgyz Ridge of the northern Tian Shan range. The expedition was led by Bishop Savvaty (Zagrebelny), head of the Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan Diocese. Among the participants were also priests from the Yekaterinburg Metropolitanate.

Previously known as Mount Agitators, the peak was renamed a decade ago in honor of Saint Catherine, the patron saint of the Bishkek Diocese. The renaming was to commemorate the first liturgy held in the newly formed diocese on December 7, 2012, the feast day of Saint Catherine.

A cross has been installed at the mountain's summit, where an annual thanksgiving service is held. Pilgrims also pray at a cross located in the intermediate camp, which was set up to mark the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty in 2013.

The ascent of the peak is a challenging endeavor, with harsh weather conditions often making the climb difficult. Yekaterinburg priest Igor Bachinin, who participated in the climb, shared his reflections on the experience, describing it as a profound opportunity to understand oneself through overcoming difficulties. He recounted a striking phenomenon where warm air rising up the mountain made the clouds appear close and tangible, evoking memories of the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor.

"You discover yourself when facing challenges. But there are also very memorable moments. In Bishkek, the temperature is 38 degrees Celsius, while at the mountain, it's 5-10 degrees. I had never experienced such a phenomenon before. The warm air rises, and in the mountains, it feels as if the clouds are coming directly towards you in a gentle breeze. When this warm air envelops you, it’s almost as if you’re experiencing what Moses felt. And the Lord was transfigured before His disciples on Mount Tabor. For me, this year's climb of Mount Saint Catherine was the most vivid event," said the priest, according to the Bishkek Diocese press service.

Photo: Bishkek Diocese / vk.com