EXPLANATIONS OF THE FOREGOING PLAN.'

A.A. Narthex or Porch; in which, or in a gallery over which, the Women worship.

B.B. Trapeza, or Nave; where the Men worship.

C. Door into the Naos or Temple.

D. The Bishop's scat.

E.E.E. Other seats for Ecclesiastical Dignitaries.

'This Flan, copied from Neale's "Holy Eastern Church." may be taken as a specimen of the principal features of an Eastern church of the simpler sort. Differences in the ground plan even are numerous, E. g. There are often side doors opening into the Nave; and this is by no means universally divided (ns in our plan), by any sections or seats, but often extends in a full quadrangle to the steps of the Bema or Sanctuary, the Bishop's seat remaining alone in the south-east corner. The foremost Desk, &c, in our present plan is then of course dispensed with. On the other hand, in more elaborate Cathedrals, e. g. the Patriarchal Cathedral of Moscow, (see a plan in Stanley's list. Eastern Church,) are side altars, and chapels and shrines and other accessories which pertain to the highest elaboration of the rites and superstitions of that Church.

There are no seats for the people in Eastern churches because they are not intended to sit during the service. See p. 216, note. But at certain passages the Ecclesiastical and high Civil Digni taries may. Practically, however, even these often do not. There are certain anthems in the midst of the service called Kathismata or sitting anthems, because then the worshippers are allowed to sit or rest. This is commonly done by the people on certain supports or crutches which they carry with them for this purpose.

F.F. Solcas or Choir.

G. Steps to the Bema or Sanctuary.

H. Ambon; a circular platform, raised one or two steps, from which the Epistle and Gospel are read.

I.I.I.I. Iconostasis, or Altar Screen.

K. Holy Gates.

L.M. North and South Door.

N. Holy Table.

O. Holy Throne; seat of Archbishop, Patriarch, Metropolitan, &c.

P. Table of proposition; on which the elements are laid before consecration.

Q. Sacristy; where the Holy vestments are kept.

R.R. Desks for Books.

NOTE.

As much is said of the Pictures and the Controversies concerning them in the Eastern Church (see pp. 253, 254 and notes), it may be well to add that there is a considerable uniformity in the use of them, though not an absolute agreement, throughout the Eastern Churches.

The South Side of the Nave is always occu- ` pied by paintings of the Seven' acknowledged Councils.

Namely, the Council of Nicæa, A.D. 325; of Constantinople, 381; of Ephesus, 431; of Chalcedon, 451; Second of Constantino

The North Side, often by representations of the Parables; sometimes, of all the leading events in the Old and New Testaments.

Each side of the Entrance to the Nave, are often the Publican and the Pharisce, as the two opposite types of worshippers. Beyond these, sometimes, the Pagan Philosophers and Poets, each with a scroll in his hand containing some sentiment anticipatory of the Gospel.

On the Holy Gates are painted the Four Evangelists, as the Entrance through which come the glad tidings of the Eucharist. On cach side of these Gates, sometimes, Adam and the Penitent Thief, as the first fallen and the first redeemed. On the further compartments of them, may be represented the Virgin and the Forerunner, the Baptist.

The Pictures on the Altar-screen may be given as follows:

1st. Compartment, (at top,) the Patriarchs on each side of the Eternal Father.

2d. (The next below.) The Prophets leaning toward the Virgin and Son.

3d. Varied scenes in the Life of our Lord.

ple, 553; Third of Constantinople, 680; Second of Nicara, 787. Each can be distinguished, in the paintings, by its peculiar arrangements, or by the Emperor or Empress who presides.

4th. Angels and Apostles on either side of our Lord.

5th. The Sacred Icons: namely, The Blessed Virgin, The Holy Saviour, The Repose of the Blessed Virgin.

These representations are done in black and gold, or in relief, or are stamped on silk, etc.

PRESENT DEVIATIONS FROM STRICT RITUAL, (ESPECIALLY IN THE GRECO-RUSSIAN CHURCH).

1. Betrothal is often celebrated at the home of the Bride.

2. Prayer for Dismissal of Crowns is commonly said immediately after the close of the Ceremony of the Coronation.

3. Exchange of Rings is commonly done between Bridegroom and Bride without the intervention of a third party.

4. The Priest asks of the parties, individually, and in the vulgar tongue, (compare page 57, notc,) of their willingness to be husband and wife; and also whether they have ever promised themselves to another.

END OF THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY OF THE GREEK CHURCH.