Staryi Monastyr (Old Monastery) Game Played in Ostroh Academy

May 20, 2008

Staryi Monastyr game has already become traditional for Ostroh Academy students. It combines the elements of competition spirit and university historical symbols. This time the students of the College of Economics played the game during the celebration of the week of their college.

Staryi Monastyr is the contribution to historical past of Ostroh Academy, particularly, to those times, when Capuchin monks resided in one of the Academy buildings. Some time later the burials of these monks were found in catacombs under this building. Thinking of historical past, after the darkness falls the students dress in black gowns, turn off the light and light candles in the old university building. Once all preparations are done, the game begins. Competing teams accompanied by two monks should follow definite route and complete the tasks set for them. For each completed task they get a key. The team that gets most keys wins. The route starts from catacombs and alarming music and ringing of bells is heard in all university buildings throughout the game .

The students and lecturers of the College of Economics took part in the last game. All the teams were struggling for victory, but the third-year students were the most successful and got most keys. However, the victory in Staryj Monastyr depends not only on the adroitness and strength. Ability to support and trust each other and remember about such important values as honesty, spirituality and mutual understanding are also important.