The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-05-27

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embroidered at the corners with eagles,
were two thrones facing the Ikonstas.
Upon this dais, which, was six feet high
and approached by twelve steps, was a
landing midway and small platforms for
the groups of ladies of the court, masters
of ceremonies, etc. Over the thrones was
a magnificent square baldachin of purple
velvet lined with ermine hanging from
the roof between the two pillars furthest
from Ikonstas. In the center. surmount-
ing the baldachin, was an immense gilded
crown.
At S:15 numerous ladies and gentlemen
of the court, in brilliant dresses and uni
forms. entered and took their places, and
at $50 the great bell in the Ivan tower be-
gan to peal, giving the signal to all other
bells, which took up the peal and re-
sounded throughout the city. A large
number of bishops and priests in mag
nifieent robes were in attendance. As the
bell of Ivan Vleki tolled out the half hour,
the male choir, which in Greek churches
is always concealed, began to intone the
TIE Deum.
Their beautiful voices swelled to the
tones of the grand and solemn anthem
and seemed fitting reparation to the
ceremony about to begin. At a quarter to
the diplomatic body ana special ENJOYS,
headed by the Count de Monticello, the
French ambassador, W ho IN the inability
of the Turkish ambassador to be present
in Greek church was the dean of the
diplomatic corps, slowly filed into the
sacred building. The choir continued
singing and at 9 o'clock the sound of
cheers and roars from the waiting throngs
outside announced the fact that the royal
party was approaching.
Shout after shout rose upon the air,
drums sounded, bells pealed and the
bands grouped in the great square played
the national anthem.
At these sounds the Metropolitans of
Moscow, st. Petersburg and Kieff and sew
eral of the higher clergy proceeded to the
southern entrance of the cathedral. Then
through the throng was seen the great dig
nitaries OF state, bearing the imperial in
sigma: regaiia and coronation robes, which
they deposited in richly worked cushions
on table near the throne.
The first of the imperial party to appear
was the Dowager Czarina. mother of the
Emperor, who came separately from the
Emperor and Empress and their attend
ants. The Dowager Empress wore crown
and imperial mantle, and was accompa-
MED by those members of the imperial
family who were not included in the Cars
cortege and the ladies and officials of her
court.
Immediately after. amid tumultuous
shouts from outside, the Emperor and
Empress appeared at the door. They were
received by the clergy and escorted to the
steps of the altar. The Emperor was
dressed In the dark green and gold uni
form of a general of the guards, with high
boots. The Empress was dressed in sill
yer robe with long train, which was
borne by four pages. Arriving at the altar
steps the Metropolitan of Moscow and the
Grand Duke Sergius welcomed the EN-
peror and Empress in the holy building
The Metropolitan of st. Petersburg pre-
scented the cross for them to kiss and the
Metropolitan of Kieff presented them with
the holy water. After bowling three times
before the altar and kissing the sacred i'm
ages their Majesties assembled toe steps
and took their places in front of the altar
with their backs to the throne. The scene
was one of great beauty as the. Imperial
couple stood awaiting the service which
was to proclaim them Emperor and Enn.
press of all the Russias.
The blaze of gold and silver. the bril-
liancy of the uniforms and orders, the rich
ness of the Russian court toilettes worn by
the ladies, the sparkling and precious
gems, the clouds of incense rising from be-
hink the lkonstas and pervading the
church, the solemn sweetness of the sing
ing which now again began, al contrib
uted to the splendor of the occasion. AS
the Emperor and Empress entered the
cathedral the choir sang psalm 1o1, mis-
ericordiam ct iudicium cantabo tibi Dom.
ine."
The Metropolitan of st. Petersburg, as
the hymn of the choir ceased, stepped for.
ward and handed the Emperor a missal
saying: "Gratias Spiritus Sancti sit sem
per tecum. Amen" And bidding him
read aloud the orthodox creed, which be
did in voice audible to al. This was
followed by the reading of the Litany
with prayers for Gods blessing upon the
Cars government. The choirs then
sang "God Is the Lord with the re-
Spouse, lord Save Thy People,"
The MetropoLtans of Kieff and st
Petersburg then assisted the Gear to dor
the imperial mantle made of cloth OF GOLD
lineG with ermine, which was presented
On two golden cushions by the court cham
pertains.
After donning the mantle the Emperor
assumed the diamond collar of st. An.
drew, the Metropolitan of ST. Petersburg
saying: sin nomine Patria ct Filius et
Spiritus Sancti. Amen"
Then turning TO the altar the Gar
bowed his head to the prelate of Novgorod
who crossed his hands upon his Majesty.
forehead and said: MAY the Lord anoin
him with the oil of Joy; may he cloth,
him with power and place upon his heac
crown of precious stones OF long life
may he give into his right hand the scep
ter of salvation, set him upon the thron,
of righteousness and preserve with hi.
protection the established rule"
Immediately after this the Car received
the crown from the Metropolitan of st