THE CHURCH IN RUSSIA

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 2

THE CHURCH IN RUSSIA

10 THE EDITOR,

Sir, —Will you kindly allow me some space in your paper to ask Dr.'Gibb on what authority he made his statement in his morning sermon? Dr. Gibb condemned the Church in Russio on the ground that "for many years the Church is Russia has been a caricature of Christ's teaching." Let me remind Dr. Gibb that he cannot know anything about Eussia and the Russian Church, and that it is utterly impossible for one who does not even understand the Russian language to appreciate 'the beautiful forms of symbolism, the mystery and charm of our Russian service. Let me quote a few words of an English author, a visitor to Petrdgrad. in 1919. _ He says': ."The ' Church ritual in Russia in general is so elemental, so simple, and so true, and the very heart of the mystery of life, that all trouble and sorrow fall away and one is at peace." I, personally, am eoncirited ithat if Dr. Gibb ever gets the opportunity of taking part in a Russian service he will blush for his heedless remark". Our old, Church—the oldest perhaps of all Christian churches—originates from the Greek Church, and its wonderful devotion to Christ's teaching kept it, and .1 hope_ always will keep it,'aloof from all politics League of Nations or no League of Nations, the human nature and human unequities remain the same," and the Church—the house of God—is our refuge and source of comfort and inspiration. Let me remind Dr. Gibb that on the aim of many millions square- miles we have • only one Church, and that to a Russian, to dozens of different denominations in a little country like New Zealand, is. quite incomprehensible.— I am,etc., x , „ A RUSSIAN. sth May. , "