Gallery
Piece of exception, this publication on monasteries linked to the Patriarchy of Moscow introduces the photographic job accomplished by Charles Xelot, with the support of Neva Foundation. To restore pictures imprinted within authenticity and spirituality, the young talented photographer, Charles Xelot dived for two years and during 24 trips into monastic life, to immerse himself the best he could in such a particular atmosphere which reigns there. From the archipelago of Valaam, on the lake Ladoga into Karelia, Ukraine, Greece and Israel, the photographer went through those territories in extreme conditions, discovering the Russian orthodox monastic life and its numerous architectures.

Created by the meeting between Charles Xelot and the founders, the initial plan took an unexpected size which pushed the photographer to explore further and further. At every stage, the Foundation was by his sides to orientate, advise and support the achievement of this meticulous and passionate job. Once the pictures were gathered, the Foundation devoted itself in order to publish a book of an exceptional quality paying tribute to the splendid job of the photographer.

The Holy Abodes of the Russian Soul is a trip enthralling in the middle of Russian current Orthodoxy, blending spiritual, practical or academic and historical aspects. The chronological layout by date of creation of the monasteries is enriched with texts written by ecclesiastics and specialists.We discover the history of Russian Orthodoxy, from Kiev to Solovki and up to the sources of the mount Athos.

The opening launch will be held in Paris on November 19th 2014, in presence of the author. The book will be on the market as of November 26th, 2014 by order to the booksellers with the following references (ISBN):

- English version: 978-2-7491-4134-3
- Russian version: 978-2-7491-4158-9

3,000 copies printed (1,500 in Russian and 1,500 in English)

March 2nd 2015, for the 13th edition of the Night of Book, the book receives the prestigious award of "beautiful book of the Night of book".

Launch book on the 8 December 2015.

Pictures including the speeches of:
Alexander Visli, Managing Director of the Russian State Library
Mgr Pankrace
Mikhail Bryzgalov, Director of the Culture Department of Moscow

http://www.lanuitdulivre.com/nuit-livre/index.php?IDannee=19&IDcat=3

The video of the book's realisation: http://youtu.be/MR380EZpvy4