bannerettes, etc., each carrying a lighted candle in his hand.
There is a rush among the worshippers to join the procession. They
walk thrice round the church, searching diligently by the aid of
their candles for "Christ," and not finding Him, they go to bring
the disciples word that He is risen from the dead.

When the procession enters the threshold of the church, the royal
gates are thrown back, suddenly displaying a marvellously beautiful
stained glass window, and all eyes behold an enchanting representation
of the Saviour in the act of rising from the cold grave.

The priests with the choristers, as they enter the church, proclaim
in joyful tones, "_Christos vozkress_" ("Christ is risen"), the
response being "_Voestenno vozkress_" ("Truly He is risen"). It
is really a jubilant song of praise they sing--the finely trained
voices of the choir and priests, joined with those of the worshippers,
making it most impressive. Every face in the vast crowd bears the
joyous expression of gladness, for to these men and women a really
dead Christ has risen, and is now invisibly in their midst. Relatives
and friends kiss each other and shake hands, and the salutation,
"_Christos vozkress_," with the refrain, "_Voestenno vozkress_,"
is heard on every side. The officiating priest begins the usual
early morning service (celebrated on ordinary Sundays at 5 A. M.),
which continues until nearly three o'clock, when the churches are
closed for the day.

Immediately after midnight a salute of one hundred and one guns is
given from the fortress to greet the sacred morn. The whole city
is stirred as the loud peal of cannon reverberates, proclaiming
to the faithful that Christ is indeed risen from the dead. Some
few worshippers remain in church until the early service is over,
but the majority retire to their homes to tender the greetings
of the day.

Then families and friends assemble at the domestic board that groans
under a load of the good things of this life, according to their
circumstances, and to make reparation to their stomachs for the
privation they have endured during the seven weeks of Lent. And
full compensation their stomachs get, as the feast is a literal
gorge of meat and drink. Ham is on the table of prince and peasant
alike, and it is first partaken of. The table of the rich is spread
with all gastronomical luxuries, _vodka_ and wines, cold roast
beef, eggs, etc. These dainties remain on the table for several
days; i