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Page 151 from Ethel Moir Diary, Vol 1

Moir, Ethel, 1916, Document
Page 151 from Ethel Moir Diary, Vol 1
Page 151 from Ethel Moir Diary, Vol 1
Page 151 from Ethel Moir Diary, Vol 1
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Library Item
Item no
25179
Title
Page 151 from Ethel Moir Diary, Vol 1
Description
of the Four Gospels, & behind it the seven-branched candlestick. It impresses one very much when the Royal Gates are thrown open thus, and, with incense filling the air, the seven lighted lamps on the great candlestick come into view. The church in Russia means everything to the peasant. They stand in rows with folded hands, listening to the sad, sweet, slowly rising & falling chanting. They bow & kneel when the priest bids them do so, touching the floor with their foreheads & whispering "Gospodi pomilui" ("Lord have mercy") - always the beautiful voices of the choir boys keep singing "Gospodi pomilui". There is no break in the service, the congregation is held for 2 hours or more till the end of the mass is reached, the priest advances holding out the Cross & the people throng round to kiss it & receive a blessing. No sermon is ever preached & the people just keep coming & going, in & out all the time. Easter is the great festival of the year. On Easter Eve the service begins 2 hours before mid-night. Everyone is there. Up till mid-night the music is slow & dreary. Then at 12 o'clock every member lights a candle. The priest advances towards the door, peasants carry
Artist / maker
Date
1916
Size
20.4 x 16.0 cm
Type
Location
Edinburgh and Scottish Collection