The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-07-29
THE GREEK CHURCH.

Father Behring's Return from Russin-
TIOnOrs to the Eloquent Greek Priest
Magnificent Presc nts-PolitfcaI md RE-
llgfOus Movements i'm the Land Of the
Gar.
since the latter part of Arril the Greek church In
Second avenue has been closed owing TO the alb
sence in Europe of Rev. Nicholas BIerIng, the popu-
lar priest thereof Last week he arrived ut home.
His arrival having been announced in the HERALD
was sufficient notice to call together yesterday at
the eieven A. d. service . large congregation.
among whom was noticed the amiable Baron de
Gutenberg, the new Russian Amba ssad0r TO the
United States, who during his short resi-
dcnce in this country has won the
fdence and esteem of those who have
formed his acquaintance Consul General Bodlscc
WHO has just been decorated with the order OF
Vladimir: Vice Consul Schultze, who has also been
recently decorated, ana the Greek Consul Botassi,
whose charming wife formed the centre OF attrac-
ton in the bouquet OF lades who were present.
The little chapel was uncomioitaby crowded, and
had the Patriarch or the members OF the synod Of
the Greek Church been present they would be
much more likely TO hurry up the building OF the
proposed church than they now are to do II. 1t Is
probable, however, that next spring ground may
Father Biering performed the services, but did
not preach. lie was attired in new suit of clerl
|
and which We're presented TO him during his visit
to st. Petersburg by Madam Aksak0ff, the same
lady who some time ago presented him with chalice
coverings. which used for the first time Of the
reception OF the Grand Duke and were noticed at
tho time in the HERALD. The new vestments worn
by the Rev. Father Bjeting yesterday consist of q
| beautiful heavy blue silk stikarion, ornamcntcd
with heavy gold lace fringe around the skirt and
gold cross on the back; pair Of cpl
the wrists, accompany IT. a richly embroi-
dered purple velvet cpitrachilion stole, and
Cn nm u1pl frOtn he
hang each before and behind. and are kept in
place by girdle of equal richness and beauty. And
purple robe, richly embroidered ma wrought in
pure gold with mystic cmblems OF the sword
r TN the % % the r Over snSosed hume
beautiful gold cross and massive Chain, presented
to Father Bjering by the Imperial Cabinet Council,
upon the recommendation OF the Holy synod THIS
cross has both political and an ecclesiastical sig
nincance, and il never bestowed but upon the rec
ommendatiun OF the Synod. 1t clcvaes Father
| Bjering 10 the rank of Archpricst and
gives him certain civil rights in the empire
entitled. over the likeness of the saviour IA the
! inscription in Russian characters, which declares
| that Jesus OF Nazareth lathe saviour OF men and
| the Resurrection and tho Life Of the world On
the reverse side Is the imperial Crown. The value
of this decoration IL probably not less than $500 in
! gold. The metropolitan Bishop Of Moscow, who
spent about thirty years OF missionary life IN Alaska
! aud kamtchatSs also presented Father i:ering
witha magnificent gold and porcelain picture OF
/ the Madonna and child also of great vane. Mrs
/ Bjering. who accompanied her husband to Stutt
/ CART. w3s made the recipient of silver tea SER
vice by the Queen OF Wnrten,burg, who stood spon
SCR Tor Mrs. behring's baby. who Wa, born thcre
! In conversation with Father Riefin2 after
vice yesterday. the HERALD representative tried to
! CLEAN from him some opinions about tic late Gaia
cay, but the reverend gentleman declined beliav
| ing that the best thing that could now be done
! would be to write his cpitaph. Re1t,escuf u; p1rp
The last despatch FROM st. Petersburg settles his
fate and conunns Father Behring'S opinion that the
irasciDle cA-Mini~tor could not and would not hold
! his peace He wss sent to Paris n nominal
salary and with pension OF 700 roubles per nn-
NUM-. on condition that he should thence'orth
cschew American politics. btf ne could not, and
The Imperial government has now Dismissed him
altogether, ana m such manner that he il not
likely to return To Russia.
During his vist TO Russia Father Bjering was
everywhere questioned IN regard 10 American
politics and to The lsl.uataca2y controversy ana
can institutions he always spoke in highest praise
Of his adopted country and It's government. IN ~.
Petersburg the presidential election was discussed
in the most fashionable society, and which surprise
was expressed that Horace Greeley should exhibit
So much political strength II was not believed that
he could or would be elected.
During his stay In Moscow Father Ber,ng made
study of the old churches and cnurchyavds In
Ia, city and vicinity and derived very valuable
Tue preparations FOR the great lniernational>Fx-
hibtion In Moscow were on very extensive scale.
The exhibition grounds surround the famous old
Kremlin, aud the brother OF the Emperor Alex
ander was In the city experimenting The prepare
tons for the opening at the time VI Father Rcfngs
visit.
Railroads are being buit to and from all impor-
tant points IN the empire. and tne best bti rail
road in the world IL said to be that between ST.
Petersburg and MOSCOW. which was constructed
by An American con tractor.
Tho mission OF the Evangelical Alliance 10 Russia
year or more ago, though not as successful as IL
might have been,at the time, promises to become
success by aud by. There IL a large party In the
empire IN favor OF the utmost liberation; but, for
political reasons proselytlsm Is for the present for
hidden; Missionaries may 80 there and make con-
vertS II they can, and II complaints are made to
llRe IMPERIAL OF l0eA gQleyaJRents. the matter "A