Pessales Russian Orthodox Chapel in Sylvanès
Pessales Russian Orthodox Chapel is nestled in the heart of the peaceful Pessales Forest, on the road to the Château of Fayet, 4 km from the Abbey of Sylvanès.
You will find this charming wooden chapel, a true haven of peace, is attached to the next door Priory of Les Granges, an ecumenical retreat centre, open to theological research, conferences, and public exhibitions.
The priory was established in the 1990s in two renovated 17th- and 18th-century monastic barns connected by a contemporary cloister adorned with Byzantine frescoes.
Thus, a visit to the Pessales Russian Orthodox Chapel is a unique experience, somewhat off the beaten path. You will indeed need to park in the woods and walk the last few hundred meters to reach the chapel.
From Moscow to Sylvanès
Pessales Russian Orthodox Chapel has a touching history. It was indeed built as part of a humanitarian initiative aimed at promoting reconciliation between peoples and religions, a project led by the priest in charge of the restoration of Sylvanès, in collaboration with the village mayor.
Craftsmen and farmers from Khiov, a city located 700 km east of Moscow, built the chapel in Russia during the winter of 1993-1994. Once completed, they meticulously dismantled it, piece by piece. These pieces were then transported by train to the Millau train station, thanks to a grant from the SNCF (French National Railway Company), and then transported by truck to Sylvanès. The young Russians who had participated in its construction in Russia were invited to spend six months in France to contribute to its reconstruction.
The modest Pessales Russian Orthodox Chapel is 27 metres long and occupies an area of 300 square metres. Built in accordance with ancient Russian traditions, it is adorned with magnificent icons. One room is dedicated to prayer and contemplation, while the traditional meal shared by the faithful after the service is served in another room. Finally, a third room serves as a common area where everyone can gather and relax.
Department of Aveyron – Pessales
Coordinates:Lat 43.822913 – Long 2.969386
