Congregational singing is practised in the Ukraine. Russia and Bielorussia not so much from choice as from necessity. It is considered a tragedy for any selfrespecting Russian parish to be without a choir.
Does this prayerful silence of the faithful destroy the "fundamental unity of the sacrifice"? Catholics and Orthodox alike who follow the Slavonic rite know that there is a far greater sense of Christian fellowship among the worshippers than is usually found ia Churches of the Latin rite. Members of the congregation move about the body of the Church freely, venerating the ikons of Saints and embracing their fellow-Christians in lively understanding of the priest's exhortation-"Let US JOST one another...." They are truly at ease in their Father's house-an attitude which all too many strictly regimented Latin Catholics seem to have lOst.
G. March