Public attention being very particularly directed towards the Russian
nation at the present time, a few remarks regarding some peculiarities in
their manner of worship, &c., which probably are not generally known, may
be interesting.
I have been for some time past endeavouring to determine the exact nature
of the homage the Russians pay to the "gods"--whether they should be called
_images_ or _pictures_? and whether the Russians should be considered
idolaters or not?
Whenever a Russian passes a church, his custom is to cross himself (some do
so three times, accompanying it with bowing). In every room in their houses
an image (or picture) is placed in the east corner, before which they
uncover their heads and cross themselves on entering.
Their churches are filled with these their representatives of the deity,
and it is very curious to observe a devout Russian kissing the toe of one,
crossing himself before another, while to another he will in addition
prostrate himself, even with his head to the ground; this latter is also
very frequently done at intervals during the celebration of their services:
but their churches are always open, so that if any one wants to pay
devotion to a particular image (or picture) while no service is going on,
he can do so.
I understand that they consider they worship the deity through these
representations. In the present day these gods are called _obraaz_, of
which the literal translation is _image_. The old Sclavonic word for them
is _eekona_, which was formerly in general use, and has exactly the same
meaning, answering to the Greek word [Greek: eikon]. As far as I can make
out, neither of these words can be translated _picture_; but I do not
remember to have found this point touched upon in any books I I have read
on Russia or its religion; and hope, if any correspondent is able to give
us farther information on the subject, he will do so.
The Russians also believe in relics, in their efficacy in healing diseases,
working other miracles, &c. Notwithstanding this, a very short time ago, a
new relic was found in the south of Russia, and a courier being immediately
despatched with it to the Emperor at St. Petersburg; on his arrival, his
Imperial Majesty (expecting some important news regarding his operations in
the neighbourhood of Turkey), when told his errand, exclaimed, "Away with
the relic! it is time to put an end to such nonsense." Would that this were
to be carried out! But their superstitions seem too deeply rooted to be
done away with in a short time.