The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1888-04-14

by the lights that are continually burn
ing before them. Every worshiper
buys a candle, lights il. and places 1t
In rack made for the purpose. before
the icon Of his favorite saint The
prayers are supposed 10 ascend TO
Heaven on the flames.
Not only are icons 10 be found in all
the houses and business places Of Rus
sia. but they are frequently to be seen
in little chapels or kiosks in the streets.
On the opposite side Of the Nevski
Prospect from the hotel in which we
lived was one Of the most famous icons
in Petersburg. the picture OF a saint
which is supposed % watch over the
interests Of commerce-tho patroB Of
trade. During the business hours Of
the day. from sunrise 20 sunset. in fact.
the little chapel in which it stands was
crowded with people - merchants,
clerks, artisans. labOrers. and all
classes Of the community-whob bought
and lighted candles first, and then
bowed TO pray for prosperous results
in the days trade, each leaving some
contribution for the benefit Of the
church as peace Offering
1t is curious and interesting sight
10 see the devoutness with which the
sanctuary is approached. Not drosky
driver would pass it, no matter at what
speed, without crossing himself with
three fingers and taking of his hat
The same forms are practiced by all
foot passengers The street was usu-
ally crowded during the business hours
Of the day. but every hat went of and
every right hand made the sign OF the
cross when the little chapel was
reached. All the passengers in the
street car. and the conductor and
driver as well. did the same obeisance.
The morning after we arrived we
Witnessed from the balcony OF the ho-
tel what I'm any other country would
have seemed a remarkable spectacle.
but in Russia il was common, AS we
afterward discovered. 1t happened to
be the anniversary OF the saint that
presidcs over commerce the saint OF
the little chapel | have been speaking
about There was n great stir early in
the morning. commotion such rs we
see at home on holiday; men were
standing about in their best clothes.
women with little ones tugging at their
skirts, and the crowd around the chap
cl. which was always great, seemed
greater than ever.
Soon carriage drove upand priest
with long white hair and beard-for
the Russian priests never cut their hair
or beards-alightcd Then band OF
music and a battalion of soldiers ar
rived. followed by large company of
priests aud monks About ten o'clock
the crowd had increased u such num-
bers that traffic was suspended. and
finally procession was formed NJ the
head Of which were a lot of whte-robed
monks chanting. then n company of
acolytcs swinging incense urns. thon
the white-haired priest, or metropol-
itan. as he proved to be. came, bear
Ing in his hands the sacred icon of the
chapel, being sheltered by n canopy
of golden cloth carried by four other
priests. Behind him came other priests
and monks. then the military band
and the battalion of soldiers, and
finally n procession of people
reaching several blocks, not march
ing in column, but huddled together,
and filling the entire street from wall
to wall. During tho time the icon was
being brought out from the chapel till
tho procession began to move, every
one but the priests and soldiers were
on their knees in the street When it
had reached its place in the procession
all rose and followed.
The same ceremony was repeated
about four in the afternoon, when the
icon was brought back and deposited
in its usual place. Upon inquiry l
learned that, it being the day of this
saint. the icon had been taken to the
cathedral and several othrr churches
so that the service could be attended
by more people than the little chapel
could accommodate. T.. Curtis, in
CHICAGO Ne'Os.