As I was m.aking the tour of the churches on Easter-eve in 1837, I found in the church Spass Preobrayenskoi, a scarred veteran soldier, standing at the desk reading with his taper in his hand. Around stood a number of children with folded hands, listening as attentively as the elders. In another it was a long-bearded, venerable, old man, who, in a trembling voice and feeble tone, but with great earnestness and devotion, read aloud the history of the sufferings of the Redeemer, to a crowd of old people, youths, and children of both sexes, whose attention was never once diverted by the constant flux and reflux of the worshippers of the sacred tabernacle. I found a like spectacle in every church I visited, and was never tired of contemplating the edifying and heart-moving spectacle. It is a pity that the clergy do not oftener let the scriptures out of their hands, and allow the congregation to take part in the administration of the sacred office. Religion would certainly be the gainer. All priests, without exception, contract, by dally repetition of the same things, a certain workmanlike dexterity and indifference in the execution of their duty, that deprives it of all Influence on the heart. On the other hand, the emotion and sympathy of the unprofessional reader is visible and unfeigned, and the doctrine and teaching coming directly from the heart, appeal directly to it. Even when the reader is not a good or fluent one, the effect is not injurious, but rather the contrary. When he hesitates, approaches his taper nearer, the listeners seem yet more attentive, and when the right word comes, it makes the more certain impression. They seem to say to themselves " Yes ; so it is. That is the right word : the truth !"
It is strange that the refoiTners of our church did not make use of so mighty a lever to piety as this congregational assistance might be, but left the people during divine service, in a state of inactivity that must tend to impair devotion. If, not always perhaps, but on certain occasions, one of the congregation were at liberty to ascend the pulpit, the wholesome influence of family devotion would be imparted to public devotion, and a feeling of brotherhood would be infused into the congregation.
Towards midnight the throng increases. In St. Petersburg the coiut appears in the Imperial chapel in full dress ; and in the provinces the governor, with all his adjutants and officers in their splendid uniforms, attend
There are no seats in any Russian place of worship, eitlier public or private ; the whole service is listened to standing or kneeling. In very rare cases an elderly laly of rank will have a chair in her private chapel. Even the emperor slaiuls jdl the tiu»e of the service.