New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-18
WITH HIGH CEREMONIAL.
DEDICATION OF THE SYRIAN ORTHODOX
GREEK CHURCH

A SOLEMN AND IMPRESSIVE SERVICE CONDUCTED
BY BISHOP NIcHoLAs-THE CHURCH THE
FIRST OF IT'S KIND ~ THIS COUNTRY.
An interesting ceremony took place last evening
Mt No II Washington-st. when Bishop Nicholas
Rshop OF Alaska and the Aleu;lan Islands and chief
OF the Orthodox Greek hierarchy in America. who
arrived recently In this country from St Petersburg
dedicated the Syrian Orthodox Greek church
the first OF It's kind I'm this country, at the address
named In this ceremony the Bishop was assisted
by Archirnandrte Raphael and five other archi-
mandrites and ten Syrian singers Archmandrite
Raphael is handsome man with jet black hair
and beard. Although Syrian By birth, coming
from Damascus. he was brough, up and educated
In Russia. For some time ne president OF a
prominent college at Cazan in Russia. he was
sent TO this country priest and missionary to
the .Syrans living In the United States. There are
about 1900 syrians in this country 5000 of whom
live in New-York. His appointment was made In
accordance with special request sent 20 the Holy
Synod by the Syrian benevolent Orthodox Society
OF NewYork. OF which Dr. a J. ArDeely il presi-
dent
The unusual appearance Of the haGs II the United
States and Russia hanging on either side OF the
doorway attracted a crowd which gathered in tho
street directly in front 81 the church. Two bury
policemen kept the crowd from becoming noisy ana
disagreeable The scene within vas strangely SOL
emn and impressive. The temporary altar was
placed the end Of tho room away from the street
and lighted by many Pickering candles. Gath
cred around !. were the priests. The tall, heavy
form Of the Bishop ln me centre. and was cas-
iy distingushab.s by the sp.-ndor and richness %
mis- vestments \ blue six robe fell from his shoui-
ders 70 the floor AMI about his neck and shoulders
WAS fastened heavy golden surplce. on MS head
was his magnificent mitre, made OF gold, ana nash-
ing IN the candle light with the glitter and sieam OF
rubes SAPPHIRE diamonds and emeralds. This MI
ire sal d, b.
archimandrtes and chanters were also extremely
rich. Just behind the Bishop stood his TWO servants
clad in the Greek costume. with yataghans and
cimeters. looking more IN keeping with mihtary
camp than with tho solemn ceremony going on be-
fore them.
The service opened with a prayer partly spoken
and partly chantel by the Bishop, the arnhiman-
drites and tho choir When this was ended the
Bishop delivered short address In the Russian
tongue advising the Syrians to be good American
citizens aid poor. and. above all, 10 be faith
fui TO the Church and assuring them Of The entire
and Of VI. POb.edonotzow. the Proeurator- Teneral
of the Holy synod besides the 100000 feilow-be-
levers in the cars d0mniOns. He also said that
thu Gar ana NJ Pobedonotzow had lent a.d to me
establishment of this church. both hnancai ana
moral. The Bishops address was translated into
Arabic by Arch!mandrite Raphael for the benefit OF
tongut
silver foInt blessed with many lnvoeations am
much burning Of incense in order , to prepare Il
Tor The conservation OF the DuilI!us. W men al
was ready the Bishop with an olive branch
sprinklel the altar and the walls OF the room AMI
pronounced the ceremony ended
Then followed the services for the ordination or
deacon. and at its close the peop.e were lis
missed. Each person present received "A gilt cross
u souvenir Of the occasion. The crosses Meir
presented bv the Bishop with his blessing They
arr considered sacred. they lay for long time
on the Holy Sepu.cnre IN Jerusalem The Bishop
also presented 10 the church an altar which VIII
be erected next week. Many people We're present
at the ceremony who not members OF the Creek
gustus w Peters Henry Milar Or. Allison. Of
Mecca Temple and the COnsu.s-GeUcral 70 New
York from Greece ami Russia. \ band or Maron-
ties also present with their priests as
mark of courtesy. These people are followers OF
Marc who -eceled from the CatnOnc tnurcn IN
The seventh century. and established A se"t IN the
mountains OF Libaurs and Antilibanus. In Syria
After the ceremonies We're ended, me lilsAop diH
his assistants went TO the third moor OF the bui'a-
Ing where an Oriental dllner was awaiting tnem
fo- those usually worn. and the Bishop carried MS
staff OF Office on his breast he wore the lnslSnas
OF several orders, and the tall black hat win It's
flowing veil lent grace and dignity 10 his appear
ance As ne walked through the crowd 10 the
stairway many crowded forward 20 receive MS
biesslrs Alter dinner there were several speeches
Tomorrow Bishop Nicholas will leave the city Tor
the West stopping his way at scranton, Syrd
cuse. Buffalo and Chicago. 70 consecrate creek
churches - -. ~
York through whose efforts the churcn was
founded was established about one year ago 10
hep poor ana deserving Syrians in TINS country
Many of the mos. prominent Syrians In the cOuh-
try are members It's officers are. \ j. ArneeiA
president: : 4 Fadel ice-presden- ana y. -
Blsknty. X. Frelge. y. Hnoby, ana y avail
members q the Executive Committee.