Lives of the Sovereigns of Russia (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. Of the Greek Church in Russia--Reformed by Peter the Great--the Holy Legislative Synod--the Members, and their Duties--the Dignitaries of the Church--First Appointment of the Patriarch in Russia--his Great Power--The Tzar's Reforms--the Patriarchate Abolished--Origin of the Eastern or Greek Church--Christianity, when Introduced into Russia--Ecclesiastical Divisions of the Russian Empire--The Colleges--Duties of the Bishops--The Monasticand Secular Clergy--the Degrees, and their Dress--Liberal Religious Toleration of the Russian Government--Services of the Church--Dissenters from the Orthodox Creed--Ignorance and Superstition of the People--their numerous Fasts--Saints may be added to the Greek Calendar--The Churches of Russia--of Byzantine Architecture--the Interiors--the Paintings--the Altars--the Bells, &c.--the Services of the Mass--the Eucharist--the Chaunting, &c.--the Festival of Easter--the Butter Week--the Long Fast--Palm Sunday--the Holy Lavepedium--Easter Eve--Solemn waiting for the Resurrection of Christ--Procession of the Priests--" Christ is Risen "--General Rejoicings--Easter Festivals--the Marriage Ceremony--the Betrothment--Altar Service--Putting on the Rings--the Coronation--Dissolving the Crowns--the Burial Service--the Last Kiss--the Passport--Doctrines of the Russo-Greek Church--Of the Trinity--the Invocation of Saints--Prayers for the Dead--Of Predestination--Prayers to the Virgin--Holy Relics--their Catechism--Seven Sacraments--the Nine Precepts of the Church--the Seven Deadly Sins--the Eucharist--Benediction of the Loaves--Confession--Exorcism--Baptism--The Monastic Institutions of Russia--their Chiefs--Edict of Peter the Great respecting them--of the Monastic Degrees--the Probationer--the Proficient and the Perfect--I...