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Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists - Contents
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    A RUSSIAN CHURCH

    On Sunday we visited a Russian church. The edifices of the Greek Church can easily be recognized by their peculiar style of architecture; they are built in the form of a square in the center of which is a large dome, often surrounded by a number of smaller ones. As these domes are brightly painted, sometimes covered with gold, and always surmounted with large crosses, they present a striking appearance. The churches have also a great number of bells, some of them of immense size.HSFM 253.1

    The interior of these buildings is very richly adorned. They are divided by a high paneled screen into two apartments, the body of the church, and the sanctuary. Through this screen there are three doors. The one in the center, which is called the “Royal Gate,” has on the north side a picture of the Virgin, and on the south a picture of our Saviour and the patron saint. The remaining part of the screen is also covered with pictures, upon the frames and coverings of which an almost fabulous sum is sometimes lavished. Picture worship is a prominent part of Russian devotion. Pictures are found not only in the churches, but also in the market-places, the stores, the steamers, the cars, and even in the saloons, and lights are usually kept burning before them.HSFM 253.2

    On entering the church, we noticed that all the people had lighted candles, which they held in their hands or placed in candlesticks before some of the images. The sale of these candles brings a handsome income to the church. During their devotions, most of the worshipers reverently kissed the floor or some image, and frequently crossed themselves. The priests and bishops present an imposing appearance, with their long, flowing hair and their gorgeous vestments. The church services are long, and very tedious, being held in the Slavonic language, which, as a rule, none but the priests understand. There was no sermon, as it is something of very rare occurrence. The singing by the choir was good, but no musical instruments were used. From time to time, as blessings were asked of God through the intercession of the Virgin or some saint, the response by the worshipers, “Gospodi pomilui,” “Lord, have mercy,” was repeated thirty times or more, almost in one breath.HSFM 253.3

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