p with gorgeous
gilt and otherwise ornamented. The lid is adorned with a painting
representing our Saviour in death. At dawn this lid is carried
into the chapel, and by 3 P. M. the sarcophagus is in its place
on the dais ready to receive the body of our Lord. Shortly before
the service is concluded, all the worshippers have their tapers
lighted, the flame being procured from a candelabrum in front of
the sacred icon. This is done by those nearest to the candelabrum
lighting their tapers, while those behind them get the sacred flame
from them, and in this way all get their tapers lit. Many endeavour
to carry their burning tapers home, so that they may have the holy
flame in their dwellings.

[Illustration: ST. ISAAC'S CATHEDRAL, ST. PETERSBURG.]

Leaving the chapel the crowd musters in the street. Then there
emerges a church dignitary bearing a large brightly-burnished crucifix,
followed by others bearing bannerettes and other symbols, the names
and uses of which are to us a mystery. Last of all come forth four
priests, clad in their gorgeous canonical vestments, bearing the
lid of the sarcophagus which is supported on brass rods. Under
the lid walks an aged priest clad in his clerical vestments,
representing the dead Christ being carried to his tomb. Slowly,
sadly, and reverently he is borne to the tomb, the worshippers
crossing themselves most devoutly. A sudden rush is made for the
church to witness the interment, the big bell meanwhile tolling
mournfully as the procession moves on. The sad procession enters
the church, and, going up to where the sarcophagus is placed with
all the external appearances of love, mourning, and lamentation,
the lid is placed on the sarcophagus and the last obsequies of
the crucified "Christ" are over.

Preparations are now industriously made for the due celebration of
the Resurrection morn. Shopping, shopping, shopping goes on without
intermission. Those who can, prepare to adorn their bodies with one
or more articles of new clothing, but all make preparations for a
sumptuous feast. It is interesting to watch the shops, especially in
the public markets, to see the avidity with which every article of
food is bought up. The butchers come in, perhaps, for the largest
share of custom, as flesh, especially smoked ham, is in universal
demand. Ham among all classes of the community is indispensable for
the breaking of the fast and the due celebration of the feast. Dyed
eggs are in universal