The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-21
The Evangelical Movement in
Russia

The London DAILY Net0s thinks that
one OF the most interesting signs of the
times is the new religious movement in
st. Petersburg. This movement dates
back seven years, to the summer travels
of certain Russian ladies in Switzerland,
when they attended French and English
Evangelical services in which Lord Rad
stock took a prominent part At the
invitation of these ladies Lord Radstock
visited st. Petersburg in the winter of
1874, and renewed his visits in 1875.
1876, and 1877 The meetings estab-
lished during these visits have been con-
tinued by NJ. Pashkof, Count Bobrinsky,
and Count Korf At the house of M.
Pashkoff and others, meetings of more or
less public character have been held
during the past winter several times
each week, with preaching on Sunday
evening The interest they excited is
shown by the fact that at the last meet
ing upwards of thousand persons as
sembled in the mansion of M. Pashkoff
on the Gagarin Quay. The services are
simple and unpretending, quite free
from excitement ard sensational inhu-
ences. Among the congregation are
peasants, and members Of princely fami-
lies, army officers, students of the Ec-
clesiastical Academy, and now and again
a priest of the Orthodox Church. The
services commence with hymn Rus
sian version of some of the well-known
English hymns; one of the popular
English or American tunes arranged in
harmony with the spirit of the Russian
national melodies, which are always
plaintive rather than lively. Madame
Pashkof presides at an American organ,
assisted by choir of her daughters.
Extempore prayer is offered by M. Pash-
kof, and his address is listened to with
deep attention. Count Bobrinsky speaks
with more freedom of style and ANNA
ton of manner. Count Korf, who, like
Bobrinsky, is man of culture, appeals
to the intelligence of his hearers.
These meetings have now been held for
several winters without let or hindrance,
but naturally not without attracting at
tention in certain high quarters. The
matter has been brought before the notice
OF the Holy Synod, and proposal or a
suggestion has been made that they should
not be permitted to continue, but another
and more reasonable suggestion has been
made in the Synod-to meet this new
movement by counter-movement; and
sermons and addresses have been deliv-
cred in opposition to it. Pamphlets, too
have been distributed with the same OBJ,
lect by agents of the Orthodox Church
The leaders in the new movement have
not organized themselves in any way. 1t
is thought that the time for this has not
yet arrived. Meanwhile the movement
is, in the summer months, quietly carried
on In the country, whittier the leaders
repair to their several estates. Peasants
travel in some instances sixty miles to
hear the gospel. That amid the general
awakening to inquiry amongst all ranks
and classes there is disposition to sup
port this movement is abundantly evil
dent. At Moscow, the heart of the EN-.
pire, Count Bobrinsky experienced the
same eagerness to hear him as he recently
passed through the city en- route to his
estates Hundreds focked to the hotel
where he was staying, and he addressed
them with tervor and earnestness.