Bikers in Belarus Process with Cross

June 2. (Wednesday). 15:39:59
In Bobruisk, before the gathering of bikers, a religious procession on
motorcycles was held

Last night Bobruisk hosted the national gathering of bikers "Motofest 2010",
organized by the local club "Night Wolves". As the site of the Diocese of
Bobruisk mentions, the program activities included motorcycle and show
rides, demonstrations of the Cossack the art of riding, concerts and
socializing by motorsports enthusiasts in the open air 2 km from the new
bridge across the Berezina River.

The event began with Procession of the Cross on motorcycles over the
distance of 27 kilometers on the ring road around Bobruisk. In the event's
organization, in addition to fans of two-wheeled vehicles, also took part
local Cossacks and representatives of youth and information departments of
the Bobruisk diocese.

It should be noted that the Moto-Procession of the Cross was organized in
accordance with ancient canons: first came the lantern, then processional
crosses and banners. Priest Dmitry Pervyj, who participated in procession,
sprinkled holy water on path and accident-prone crossroads of the city ring
road on the Berezina.

Upon completion of the Procession of the Cross motorcycle equipment and
venues were blessed. Bikers are lovers and fans of motorcycles. Unlike
conventional motorcyclists, for bikers motorcycles are part of their
lifestyle. Characteristic is also the association with like-minded people on
the basis of this way of life.

The biker movement was born in 1950 in the U.S., and penetrated into Europe
(in the USSR in the 1980's they were called "rockers"). Until recently, the
term "biker" applied exclusively to the owners of choppers and always was
associated with a remotely extended front wheel, plenty of chrome, leather,
long hair and bearded motorcyclists. However, since the late 90-ies on the
road one began to see motorcycles with high-performance engines covered in
plastic fairings - sportbikes.

The stereotypical look of a biker: bandana (headscarf) in dark colors, tied
at the back of the head pirate style) or black knit cap, black leather
jackets (leather jacket with a closure off-center) or leather motojacket
(often worn denim or leather vests with no sleeves are worn over the
motojacket) with colors (symbols) of the motorcycle club), leather pants.
Bikers often let their hair grow long, and have a mustache and beard. To
protect their eyes from the wind they wear goggles, while helmets are often
ignored.

/ sobor.by/ Viktor Melnichenko / photo from the website: bobruisk.hram.by

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http://sobor.by/idnews.php?id=2010-Jun-2-15:39:59

Note the photo: the altar servers on the backs of the bikes (holding the
lantern and processional crosses) are wearing their stikharions (but no
helmets).
With love in Christ,
Prot. Alexander Lebedeff