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Russian Marriages

Russian Marriages image
Parent Issue
Day
25
Month
May
Year
1877
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

The service is eoaducted by two priests, each we.iring a long robe extending to liis i'oet, and with a ehapeau like a Ik-11crowned hat. These priests wear their hair very long, frequently below tlie shoulders, and parted in the nxiddle. They do not shave the beard. Unlike their bietimen in the Romish chm-ch, theymarry and have houses and families, aud engnge in secular operations whicli do ïiot iuterfere with their religiotis duties. ïhey aré called "popes;" and au introducüon to a pope's wife is calcuLated, at flrst, to startle one not familiar with the situtition. At a wedding the bride and grooni and spectators gathcr in the center of the ehurch - the brides usually in white and grooms in holiday dress. ïhere is uiuch recitation by the priests, reading from the ritual of the churcli, swinging the censors, singing by a cliorus, chanting and intonations, and responsos by the couple. There are frequent sigus of the cross, with bowing and kneeling. A ring is used, after which two crowns are held by tbc bridesmen over the heads of the couple, and, aíter a timo, are placed on thoir heads. Wearing these crowns, and preceded by the prie.st, the p;iir walk three times around the altar in mcmory of the Holy Trinity, while a portion of the service is chanted. Theu the crowns Ut' removed and are kissed by the marrie3 pair, the bridegroom leading oil' in the oseulution. Then a cup of water is held by the priest, lirst to tiie man and then to tlie womau, each of whom drinks a small portion. The entire ceremony occupies from twonty to thirty minutes. There is no divoree in Kussia, so tíuit a miirringe is for life.

Article

Subjects
Old News
Michigan Argus