. The religion of Russia. A study of the Orthodox Church in Russia from the point of view of the Church in England. an Orthodox church, which differ greatlyfrom those with which we are familiar. To begin with,one notices that a Russian church is much smaller than oneof corresponding importance in this country. The reasonfor this is that the normal attitude of an Orthodox Christianduring public worship is standing ; consequently he takesup less room than a Western, who requires space for sittingand kneeling. The churches gain much in dignity fromthe absence of rows of chairs and pews, but they
. The religion of Russia. A study of the Orthodox Church in Russia from the point of view of the Church in England. an Orthodox church, which differ greatlyfrom those with which we are familiar. To begin with,one notices that a Russian church is much smaller than oneof corresponding importance in this country. The reasonfor this is that the normal attitude of an Orthodox Christianduring public worship is standing ; consequently he takesup less room than a Western, who requires space for sittingand kneeling. The churches gain much in dignity fromthe absence of rows of chairs and pews, but they do so atthe expense of the Faithful, for the services are extremelylong and fatiguing. The Ikonostas and Nave To the Western, however, the most interesting featuresin a Russian church are the close screening of the altar andthe absence of a chancel. To use familiar phraseology, thebuilding consists of nave and sanctuary, separated by a largeand massive screen, called the ikonostas {Greek, ElicovocrTdicrtov).1 1 There would appear to be no authority for the usual English spelling ofthis word—ikonostasis. »4. THE USPENSKY bOBOR, MOSCOW The Patriarchal Cathedral of the church was built in 1474-9, anc s tne sceneor the Imperial Coronations. Here, too, lie thebodies of the patriarchs. PUBLIC WORSHIP lS This extends across the whole width of the sanctuary, andreaches almost to the roof. Where all is gorgeous, thescreen stands out as the most splendidly decorated part ofthe church. In a wealthy parish it is frequently constructedof marble, inset with large gold and silver ikons. As theword implies, every ikonostas is ornamented with the ikonsor sacred pictures which play such an important part inRussian religious life. Usually there are numerous smallikons, and either four or six large ones, according to thesize of the screen. The principal ikons always numberamong them representations of our Lord, the Blessed VirginMother, and the patron saint of the church. They a
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectrusskaiapravoslavnai
