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and women—for the different sexes are on a perfect
equality—sit in the midst. The other sectaries, with a view to Divine
revelations, betake themselves to such bodily and spiritual
exercises, e.g., prayer and dancing, leaping, &c., as will induce
the desired ecstasy.
The close connection between this kind of religious orgy and
the excitation of the sexual instincts has frequently brought
it about that these nocturnal assemblies terminated with a
svalni grech, or unrestrained promiscuous intercourse. Although
one cannot place implicit confidence in official gazettes nor in
the communications of Chlisti reconverted to the Orthodox
Church, there remains little doubt that these excesses have not
only taken place in the past, but also occur at times in the
present day. The seeming contradiction between this and
their tenets as described above is sometimes explained by the
assertion that what takes place under “inspiration” is quite
different in kind from ordinary marriage. Of course the real
explanation rests upon obvious physiological facts.
A Chlist who reverted to the Orthodox Church has given a
description of his initiation to the authorities. According to
him the Chlisti inculcate a life in accordance with God’s law,
plain feeding, avoidance of all marriage or other feasts, total
abstinence, celibacy and prayer, and practical godliness. As
he was a seeker after truth and his soul’s salvation, he applied
to be admitted to this sect. The leader explained to him how
he must live, held a long conversation with him, and read
prayers and the Gospel on his behalf. Satisfied with his
sincerity he consented to his admission, and appointed a day
for the ceremony. On the appointed day he was placed under
the care of a young girl, who acted as his godmother. Clad
in Avhite robes, with a burning candle in his hand, he was led
by her into the room where the members were gathered in a
circle, each holding a lighted candle. Following her example
he bowed low before the assembly, whereon all stood up.
Approaching the leader the young girl bowed three times, and
said, pointing to the neophyte, “This slave of God seeks to
save his soul.”
The leader thereupon addressed a long discourse to him, and
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