CARD PLAYING IN THE GREEK CHURCH.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 110, 7 August 1877, Page 3

CARD PLAYING IN THE GREEK CHURCH.

The Russian clergy of the Greek Church must lead free and easy lives, according to English accounts. In a new book, called " Sketches of Russian Life," there is the following amusing anecdote: —

All but the tall priest then threw their cards on the table, and rose, saying, "A fresh deal after church service." [It was Sunday morning.] '•No, no," he said, keep your hand, partner; I shall keep mine—it is a good one— and we shall play the game after our return. Here, Vassili, give me a towel—wet. That will do. Now my robes—there, that comb. And now go every one to your posts."

Thus saying, he proceeded with a firm step to the church by a private entrance. As he left the room I saw him place his good hand of cards within his sacred robes, under the inside fastening. He was evidently determined not to lose ■sight of his trumps, and carried them off on his person into the church. I ran round to the front entrance, and was just in time to witness the commencement of the service, it vras a wonder judgment did not fall on the Chief Priest; find it did in a way. At one part of the service, just as he was stepping on the platform, he put his hand inside his robe to pull out his handkerchief, and as he drew it out, the cards came also unbidden and fell scattered over the altar floor. This would have paralyzed any ordinary man, but that priest never moved for a moment. He looked coolly at the cards, then steadily at the people, as much as to say, *' You all see that—take notice of it; I shall tell you about it by and by." He then continued the services. At the close he pointed to the cards, then beckoned a little peasant boy, with a short shirt of coarse linen, and trousers to match, not very clean, who had been crossing and bending beside a poor peasant woman, his mother.

•*Come here." The boy went.

Turning to his congregation, he said, •"I shall give you a lesson you will not forget for some time. You see these cards lying on the floor ? Do you think I put them there for nothing ? We shaU see. What is your name my boy ? " "Peter Petrovitch." "Well, Peter Petrovitch, go and pick up one of those cards yon see on the floor, and bring it to me. There that will do, Now, tell me Peter _*eir&vitch, what card is this ?" " The ace of spades," said the boy, with ready knowledge. " Very good, Peter Petrovitch ; bring me another. What card is that ?" " The Queen of spades," said Peter. " How well you know them, Peter ! Bring me anothen And what may that be ?" "The ten of hearts." " That will do, Peter, the son of Peter! Now turn round and look at this picture. Can you tell me what saint it represents ?" The boy scratched his head, then shrugged his little shoulders, lifting them up to his ears, then scratched his head again and said : " I k-now not." "Now look at this one ; who is this?" The same answer. "And this ?" " I cannot tell" " That will do, Peter, the son of Peter; you may go to your mother." Turning