Page:Islam, Turkey, and Armenia, and How They Happened.djvu/89

Rh out, and Mary, the afflicted mother, clinging to the foot of the cross, begins to weep and wail through the melodious voice of the best singer in the choir. All the women in the galleries burst into tears of grief, and words of repentance are heard on every side until the blessed mother submits herself to the divine will, and the last word of the bleeding Saviour is heard upon the cross, "It is finished." The name of this ceremonious night is "Come and Weep."

When the service of the crucifixion is over, about two hours before sunrise, many people go right away to the cemetery and put candles over all the graves in order to illuminate the valley of death. The outward appearance, how impressive and silent! the spiritual meaning is more instructive and full of comfort. The sweet remembrance of the passed friends is more sweet with the meditation of "the new sepulchre in the garden." The rest of the day passes in reverent quiet.

The Easter services begin on Saturday evening, and at the end of the long and ceremonious services the officiating priest gives the good tidings of the day: "Christ has risen from the dead," and the attendants respond: "Blessed is the resurrection of Christ." Friends meeting with each other during the three days of Easter use the above two sentences for their salutation. The priest is sure to visit each home in his parish, holding a very brief service in each.

3. Armenians Have Always Been Industrious and Progressive, and kept the highest position among the