THE DEVOTIONAL RUSSIANS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 8 January 1915, Page 3

THE DEVOTIONAL RUSSIANS

PICTURESQUE SCENES The Official Press Bureau in*]'aris says that a correspondent who was following in the wako of tho German retreat from Warsaw at the end of October, writes : — On tiie bare slopes stood an infantry regiment reduced to half its strength after 18 days'fighting. It was drawn up under a:ms in hollow square. A \ riost was addressing the men. He was arrayed in a rich blue vestment. His strong handsome features and long huir recallpd pictures of Christ. His doep voice carried to the ranks at flic rear. As I approaohod he was saying : 'Never forget wherever you are, or whatever is happening, you have the eye of God on you, watching over you.' After the sermon followed prayers, the band and soldiers joining in the beautiful other world chants of the Eastern Church with perfect balance and rh}thin. At one point all the men of the regiment orossed them'«elvfts for prayers for the Emperor. Atl/ieil on their knees for prayeis for \hi Russiau troops, tlio armies of the allied forces, and for slain comrades. During the rest of the service the men stood firm and motionless, fixed and silent at attention. There were impressive moments when the priest placed a Little Gospel, bound in. blue on the improvised lectern of of bayonets, and then, to all sides, shadowed the a small gold cross, which slowly with both hands. of: the sol liens .is 'for its regularity and Their motion is that force moving well ill* the graves bear the in peace, hero dt>d