A cup of water was held by the priest, first to the bridegroom and then to the bride, each of whom drank a small portion.

After this the first couple retired to a little chapel and the second passed through the ordeal.

The preliminary ceremony occupied about twenty minutes, and the same time was consumed by each couple.
There is no divorce in Russia, so that the union was one for life till death.

Before the parties left the church they received congratulations.

There was much hand-shaking, and among the women there were decorous kisses.