Russian Orthodox liturgies are quite different from those of the Roman Catholic tradition. For one, the churches are ornately decorated with icons, crosses, candles, candelabra, and ornate architecture. There are no benches or pews so everybody stands. There are two small benches in the rear of this church for the elderly who cannot stand for the 3 hour liturgies. All of the prayers and readings are chanted in ancient Slavic, and incense is used throughout. You will also note the orgnate vestments worn by the clergy.
The liturgy is attended by men and wome of all ages, including young children and toddlers, and to my surprise, the little ones are amazingly well-behaved.
Also, when it is time for communion, children and infants (yes infants too) go first. The Orthodox believe that once an infant is baptized it must receive communion. After the children, men go next and then women, although that is not a hard a fast rule. A prerequisite before taking communion, people line up outside the church and confess to one of the priests. No closed “confessionals” as in the Roman tradition.
This was Palm Sunday, and there is always a procession remembering Jesus’s ride on a donkey into Jerusalem with everyone carrying palms along the way. You will notice that the congregation are carrying pussywillows because there are no palm trees here. Since Kholmovka is a tiny, rural village, a large icon of Jesus is strapped to the back of a donkey that leads the procession around the village with church bells ringing.
Upon returning to the couryard of the church and monastery, the high priest blesses the congregation with holy water. This isn’t a solemn affair, but quite joyvial. The priests and people love it, the little ones too, even though some are drenched.
I became friends with the high priest and prior of the monastery, and we often make the two hour drive down to attend services and special parish events.
