The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-24


the head of the members of the Russian
Church Holy Synod, bearing crosses, sacred
vessels and holy water.
The Emperor of Russia conducted the bride
and BRIDEGROOM to the middle of the church,
assuming station with the Empress imme-
diately behind them.
Around the bridegroom stood Prince Arthur
and the Grand Dukes
The wedding rings we're borne on golden
salvers and deposited ON the altar, tenn
porarily, by the Imperial Confessor, until they
were placed on the fingers of the bride and
bridegroom.
THE DECORATIONS
The magnificent chapel was illuminated
with wax candles and the floor covered with q
carpet of velvet with pattern of crimson and
gold. The pillars of the altar were covered
with gold.
THE GREEK CEREMONY.
The Greek marriage ceremony was unique.
There was an absence Of music The chants
were intoned, and there were prayers offered
up
During the service crowns were held sus-
pended over the heads of the bridal pair,
Prince Arthur holding the crown over the
Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Sergius of
Russia the crown over the bride
The Imperial Confessor then said:-
"Thou servant of God, Alfred Ernest Ed
| uard, art crowned for this handmaiden of
God, Marie Aexandrovna, in the name of the
Father, Son and Holy Ghost"
Prince Arthur, becoming tired of holding up
the heavy crown, was relieved
Then was read the Epistle of Paul to the
Ephesians, fifth chapter, from the twentieth
to the twenty-third verse inclusive, thus
Giving thanks always for all things unto
God and the Father in the name of Our Lord
Jesus Christ;
fear of God.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own
husbands, as unto the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife,
even as Christ is the head of the Church and
he is the Saviour of the body.
After the Epistle came the reading of the
Gospel, the Bible account of the marriage at
Cana in Galilee, thus
And the third day there was marriage in
Cana Of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was
there;
And both Jesus was called and his disciples
to the marriage.
And when they wanted wine, the mother of
Jesus saith unto him, They have no WINE.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have
to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.
His mother saith unto the servants, What
soever he saith unto you do it.
And there were set there six water pots of
stone, after the manner of the purifying of
the Jews, containing two or three frkins
apiece.
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots
with water. And they filed them up to the
brim.
And he saith unto them, Draw out now and
bear unto the governor of the feast. And
they bare it.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the
water, that was made wine, and knew not
whence it was (but the servants which drew
the water knew, the governor of the feast
called the bridegroom.
And saith unto him, Every man at the be-
ginning doth set forth good wine; and when
men have we'll drunk, then that which is
worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until
now.
This beginning Of miracles did Jesus in
Cana of Galilee and manifested forth his
glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Then the crowns were removed and the
married couple walked thrice around raised
dais, holding the tip of the confessors robe in
one hand and lighted candle in the other.
HOLY COMMUNION.
At the conclusion of the ceremony the sacra-
mental cup was brought forth, blessed, and its
contents partaken of by the bridal pair, the
confessor presenting the cross, which the bride
and bridegroom both kissed
ADMoNITIoN AND BENEDICT1oN.
The deacon delivered an eloquent admoni-
ton ON the marriage duties, and Immediately
afterwards the choir chanted "Glory to Thee,
Q Lord concluding with the pronouncement
of the benediction by the clergyman.
Thus ended the Greek service.
LEAVING THE RUSSIAN CHAPEL.
The procession slowly reformed, the party
proceeding to the Hall Alexander for the per-
Torrance of the Anglican Church service.