The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-12
THE CZAR'S NAMES DAY.

Anniversary OF the Naming OF the Em-
peror Alexander OF Russia-Scrvices in
tho Greek Church Yesterday.
The common and almost universal pr actice among
Christian nations of celebrating birthdays Is among
Russo-Greek Christians superseded by that OF the
names day Of the individual This day is not
equivalent to christening baptismal occasion,
but Is wholly distinct thererOm 1t Is much more
important in the Russian calendar than either the
birthday or the christening, and for soveregns,
princes or persons of royal noble blood the day
is observed relgiousy. Yesterday was the "name's
day' OF the Car Alexander of Russia and as such
1t was duly observed in the little Russo-Greek
chapel in Second avenue near Fittieth street.
There were present at the service
HIS ExCELLENcY BARON oFFENBERG,
the Russian Ambassador, and General Oroff, the
military attache Of the Embassy, in uniform. The
Baron wore, besides his uniform, other insignia OF
his rank and office. He Is very afrable gentle
man, simple and unaffected. The Russian Consul
the Greek Charge d'A1aires and lady were also
present-the gentlemen in uniform. The Protest
ladies' and other distinguished visitors were present
also. To some of the visitors the services were
evidently new, as they eagerly watched every move
fered by the Rev. Father Bjerrng. The reverend
father was attired in the rich and elegant vest
sia and intoned the itany In English, while his as.
sis tant responded In Russian The gospels read
were part of Matthew xi, last paragraph, and the
story of the ten lepers cleansed recorded by ST.
Luke. AS may be inferred, the prayers had special
reference to the Car, for whose peace ana pros
perty, long life and happy reign suppicati0ns were
specially made at least half dozen times during
the service. The Empress and the imperial household
were also included in these prayers st. John Chrysos.
tom is held in great veneration by orthodox Greek
Christians, and In the invocation OF the saints his
name stanus foremost and follows that of the
Blessed Virgin. At the close OF the services the
distinguished visitors met in Father behring's par
Ors and spent little time in mutual introductiOns
and social converse.
Throughout the Russian dominions the Empe-
ror's 'name's day. is celebrated with pomp and
circumstance not simply because his name Is Alex
ander or that he is the Emperor, but because the
Russian people love and respect him and look upon
him as refOrmer second only to Peter the Great.
Under his benign reign the Empire has made great
and rapid strides In material progress and develop
ment and in Christian civilization. To the present
Car the nation Is indebted for
THE ABOLITION OF sERFDOM
throughout all its borders. He has fostered and
ternal means of communication for the advance
ment Of commerce, agriculture and manufactures
He has given the people the right OF trial by jury in
open court, and has done and Is doing much for the
education and moral and intellectual elevation Of
his people, for which they are highly grateful.
Hence his name and his names day are familiar as
household words among Russo-Greek Christians.
sequently about flfty-fOur years Of age He was
married In 1s41 and assembled the throne in 1855.
His reign Of seventeen years has been generally
peaceful and his present visit to the Prussian CAPT.
tai Is looked upon as an evidence Of his peaceful
intentions for the future.