The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1919-05-17

North NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., 102, 100000; other
faiths 10,285 600; total. liz, 935, COO
South Observation-Disclosures, 36,60OOOO; other
| faiths 100000; total 3S,OOO,0OO
Observation-Disclosures, r. 100000; other faiths,
AZ. 929 600; total, 55,625 900.
1t may safely be said that the aieD Christian
nations will celebrate Easter this year with un-
usual soemnity. The life immortal is comfort
ing belief just now when the world has been
brought face to face with death by the great war
as never before. Probably also it will be cele-
brated as Usual in Germany. for the Germans make
much ado over Easter.
Easter in Russia.
Even in distracted Russia Easter will be OBJ
served for the Greek Catholic church makes much
Of the celebration and Easter observance is part
of the national life. Certainly Easter Of 1918 was
observed as usual in many parts Of Russia, al
though the anarchist disorders were well under
way. Here is bit Of description from letter
written from Kief in 1919
easter is the greatest festival Of all the year;
infinitely more so than Christmas. At IL o'clock
we drove out to the Iarva, the oldest monastery
and the richest in all Russia. Can you imagine a
huge courtyard surrounded by 4O-fOot wall and
immense covered gateway, groups Of large white
buildings all ablaze with light, with the snow for
q background; the center building the church.
doors open, the inside lighted by thousand can
dies, and the chanting of 1900 priests. In the
open courtyard were thousands OF soldiers with
uncovered heads each bearing lighted candle
To TIE right stands the bell tower, wonderful
structure over 200 feet high. At the stroke Of IL
the mcst wonderful bells In Russia peal forth as
you hfve never heard bells In America. Thousands
of votses cry Christ is risen and the priests come
forth and march around ths building"
In he days before the great war no festivals In
Eur<pe attracted 50 many foreigners as the cele-
brasfon in Rome Of the holy week. 1t not
unusual for more than 10000 visitors to be pres
eus large proportion Of them being English and
Asiericaps-and also Protesthnts Doubtless there
VIA be many Visitors this Easter season. Easter
Sunday Is the elimination Of the ceremonies The
rope himself ef1cfates at high mass In St Peters
With the mos. gorgeous ritual. 1t is after he ex-
tends his blessing that the papers containing pray
ers are thrown down from his balcony to be
scrambled for by the congregation.
jerusalem, the Holy City.
The celebration Of this Easter In Jerusalem will
probably be noteworthy. 1t Is the first Easter In
seven consecutive centuries which finds the holy
city permanently freed from the msrule OF the
Noslem. Mohammedan misrule and oppression
had their beginning Is centuries ago. but the Cru
saders held possession Of the city twice-Once
under Godfrey Of Bouillon (1099-11S7) and again
under Frederick II (1229.1244). The British, un,
der General Allenby, were In possession at Easter
OF 1918, but fighting was going on In all the sur.
rounding region and the fate Of the city was still
In the balance.
In normal times business in Jerusalem comes to
Q stop at the Easter season and religious cere-
uonial is the dominating interest. It IL a
sort Of fourfold celebration. The Moham-
medans contribute by holding a pilgrimage to the
tomb Of Moses. The Jews celebrate the passover.