Photo by Gilbert H. Grosvenor 

 A RUSSIAN GENTI^EMAN PROSTRATi;d IN PRAYER BEPORE; THE IBERIAN CHAPEL 



This little chapel, which is hardly wider than the open doors, is one of the most holy 

 shrines in Russia. The Emperor always stops here on his way to the Kremlin. Under the 

 bright blue roof, which is studded with gilded stars, is an icon of the Virgin brought from 

 Mt. Athos and supposed to have miraculous powers of healing and blessing. Every morning, 

 in a carriage drawn by six horses, attended by priests and servants, it is carried to the 

 houses of the sick, to weddings, to the blessing of a new house, or to inaugurate the special 

 sale of a merchant. For these visits it receives various presents, sometimes as much as $50. 

 Its appointments are scheduled months ahead. While it is on its round of visits an exact 

 duplicate of the sacred picture reposes in its place. Hundreds of pilgrims and Muscovites 

 stop each day to kiss it, to say a prayer, or burn a taper before it. When we passed the 

 shrine one night, as late as 11 o'clock, there were over 100 men, women, and children waiting 

 to see the original picture return from its tour and to receive its blessing as it was carried 

 in by the priests. 



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