50
Stolbny Island was usually visible from far off. There on the vast stretch of the lake, one caught sight of its church domes, the roofs of buildings crowded closely together, bell towers, and crosses.
“Goodness, how lovely!” Cindy sighed in admiration at the view. The entire Creighton family were unable to tear their eyes away.
It was easy to understand why: with its crosses soaring upward, the monastery seemed to float in mid-air, and it was reflected below in the clear waters of the lake. Pavel reduced the boat’s speed and the engine’s sound died away almost to nothing. The boat gently made its way across the wide reach. Hardly breathing, the Americans stared at the island, as if spellbound. The scene was too powerful to take in: the sacred place that traced its history back to the
