The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-03-31
Glove of Holy week.

Yesterday marked the close. of Hoiy Week, the last week in the forty days fast preceding Easter, and the week that is most important in this fast, when impressive ceremonies are enao- ted in nearly all the Christian Churches in commemoration of the Passion of the Saviour.
 The earliest aliusion to the custom of marking this week as a whole with special observances is to be found in the Apostolic Constitution (V. 1s-1O dating from the latter half of the third century Abstinence rom nesn is there commanded for all the days. while for the Friday and Saturday an absolute fast is enjoined.
 Alexandrinus also refers to the six days fasting in manner which i'm plies that the observance of them had become an established usage in his time.
 Of the particular days of the great week. the earliest to emerge into spec fai prominence was naturally that which commemorated the supreme cri- sis of the Passion: next came Holy Saturday, or Easter Eve, with It's vigil which in the early church was asso- ciated with the expectation that the second advent would occur on an Easter Sunday.
 From the earliest period of its ob-
  marked by a specially rigorous fast and also by a tendency to greater simplicity in the public services of the Church. Tn Spain 1t became the cus- tom to close the churches altogether, as a sign of mourning. But this practice was after a time condemned.
 The ritual of the Roman Catholic Church is at present marked ny many special features, most of which date back before the close of the eighth century. The altar and the officiating clergy are draped in black, this being the only day on which this color is permitted. Instead of the epistie. suri- dry passages from Hosea Habakkuk, Exodus and the Psairns are read. The Gospel for the day consists of the Passion as recorded by St. John.
 The fast of Good Friday Is also very strict in the Greek church. and in the Lutheran church. the altar and Font are draped in black as In the Roman church. as they are throughout Holy Week.
 In the Church of England the Pas- sion of the Lord according to St. John is read. as in the Roman church.
 The services Of Holy Saturday at St. Peter's Catholic Church yesterday were very impressive. Holy Saturday is. next to Good Friday. the most important of the lasts of Holy Week and the ceremonies are correspond ingly impressive. The mass began at 7.sO o'clock as the services were so long for this day The new fire was blessed, after which the pascal candle was blessed During the latter cere- nony. the priest sang the "Exultet," one of the most beautiful chants In the sacred liturgy.
 Twelve prophecies were then read. the baptismal water for the coming wear blessed and the litany ehanted. Then mass began. The bells which have been silent since Holy Thursday peaied out their joyful chimes. the Hallelujah was sung, after which the priest intoned the 'Tte Missa Est. which marks the closing of the forty days fast.
 In the Baptist Churches. as in the Methodist Churches, though great at- tention is paid the resurrection or the Savior, no special exercises are neid in commemorafion of Holy week.
 Holy Week Is one of the earliest lasts in the church and seems to oe even gaining ground in the Protestant churches. The time of the year when aII people are thinking of the joyful day of Easter tends to make the conn memoration of Holy Week more nrm- ly rooted in the church.