The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1888-08-25

affect a sensitive nature with part, at
least of the charm of its appeal TO the
Orthodox mind. / remember thinking
| OF this, one warm summer afternoon,
when, as passed through the southwest
| corner of the Kreml, a crowd streamed hy
me on it's way 10 the Assumption Cathe-
dral. Following the march, pushed my
| way to position in the edifce whence I
could command a fairly unhindered view
of the interior, and learned that only the
attractions of a special service could have
so filled the church an hour in advance of
ordinary vespers. The congregation con-
sisted largely Cf peasants and artisans, of
both sexes. as well as of shopkeepers and
merchants; yet all stood shoulder to
shoulder, without the slightest rega.d to
| precedence or place. The people were
| packed SO closely together that even q
| panic could have brought no injury to
the throng, since it was impossible for
any one to fall far enough to be tram
plsd upon. All the more remarkable
| was the activity shown by the congrega-
tion, for the hour waiting was spent IN
candles, and setting them up to burn be-
fore the images of favorite saints. The
candles were displayed ut table near
the main exit, and had each worshiper
been obliged to make the purchase him
self, but few offerings of piety could
have been dis posed of. The difficulty
was ingeniously overcome. Money was
passed from hand to hand until il reach
ed the table, and the returning candle
followed in the same track, if in revers-
ed direction. Distinct lines OF transmit
sion were thus set up in the throng, to
disappear and give place 10 others when
one set of bargains had been consummat-
ed, and when, thanks to the willingness
of the people, the candles ordered had
been finally hung before the icons for
which they were destined.
The service was wholly choral and cere-
monial; boys ard men chanted at inter
walls; in the panse1 or singing the officiat-
ing priest read she lessons of the day
from the liturgy. Only ones wal the
monotonv of three hours chanting and
reading interrupted. A sudden commo-
ton occurred in the crowd, and then,
without other warning, became aware of
an i'm posing figure seated on the throne
of the cathedral; that is TO say, in the
centre of the throng, and elevated above
it. The face was thin, and had some
what ascetic lock; yet it wore an expires
sion of mild benignity, and was, withaI,
it had ever been my lot TO look upon. The
people acted as if delirious with Joy in
the presence OF their pastor, and when, at
the close of the service, the Metropolitan
of Moscow-for he ii was-endeavored to
leave the cathedral, the whole throng
seemed to precipitate itself forward in an
effort to come near him. saw him string
gle for few moments with the crowd,
and then surrender unconditionelly. For
time he held ont one hand; this was
fought for, and, when captured, kissed
with the same affectionate zeal by women
and men. Two hands soon became nee
essary To meet the demand, and these
were held ont rapidly 10 right and left, the
scene continuing until the assistant
priests had succeeded IN making q lane
through which the Metropolitan could
reac the door of the athedral.-August
Atlantic.