A Curse For Life Pt.5: Criss- Crossing Death and Life (Continued)

Olga's baptism was the talk of Russia. The Grand Duchess not only had her wish granted, but she was now blessed with another girl. Olga was baptised where it had now become tradition, in the Saint Petersburg Cathedral. The bells struck three times in succession after the appearance of Maria and Alexander holding the baptised Olga. Alexander and Maria had no easy task choosing who would be the prime god- parent. In the end they decided to keep the decision closed to immeadiate family only. This, in itself, caused a stir among the extended families of Royals, who were expecting to be chosen. Eventually, George I of Greece, Maria's younger brother, was elected by the couple.

Bishop Stephanje conducted the service. As always, it was something different, despite the fact that it had now happend five times. Bishop Stephanje had this...thing about him. He made the "same" seem different. It was just this ability he seemed to have; a way he did things that consistently captured the attention of the congregation. He didn't do things differently, it was just the way he conducted the services. They were different without the Bishop having to do anything differently. The bottom line is: the service was viewed by all as it always was. To Alexander, Maria, Nikolas, Alexander and George, however, It was something completely different, almost angelic. Xenia may have found it so too, but she was still a little to young to understand.

The reception went well too. Bishop Stephanje was invited to accompany the family, and grace all with his presence. He obliged, blessed the food, but left before the dessert was served. Maria and Alexander were caught up slightly to much, so his departure so early didn't worry them as much as it would have usually. Nikolas, Alexander, and George, on the other hand, were upset. They saw the Bishop out of the Palace and waited on the top of the steps till his carriage was far out of sight. Before leaving, however, the Bishop gently reminded the guards to take the children back inside, and to see them to their quarters. Knowing that Nikolas and Alexander were mischievous, he told the guard that for the night he could disregard the orders of the Princes. Nikolas and Alexander smiled broadly, but it was Alexander who spoke.
"Would we do such a thing Your Grace?" They both smiled coyly at Bishop Stephanje. He smiled back and chuckled. He grabbed them by the ears playfully.
"Yes, that's exactly why i told the guards not to listen to you just for tonight." He kissed them goodbye, three times as was custom, then entered his carriage.

The following day Maria and Alexander called on the Bishop to recieve the baptismal certificate. With all the guests and the reception to look after Bishop Stephanje told Maria and Alexander to come by his office the following day. He would give them the certificate then. George accompanied the couple. The Bishop, being proficient in several languages, namely: Russian, English, German, French, Greek, Latin, and Serbian; he had no difficulty speaking with George at all. Being the prime god- parent, or the sponsor who stood at the font with the Bishop, George had to sign the certificate as well. The group stayed together almost all day. They walked around the Episcopal Palace, observing all the artworks and rooms. They talked, laughed, eventually sat and ate and drank. It was a wonderful day, so they had lunch out in the gardens.

The group returned to the Bishop's office after lunch. Looking around the large office George commented, jokingly, about the artwork's the Bishop had hanging.
"Such unique pieces they are too Your Grace, wherever did you get the money for them?" He said pointing to one of Xenia's drawings of her and her parents and the Bishop, as he was when he was a priest. They all broke into hearty laughter.
"Now that is a story for you, Highness! the perils i endured and the savage weather i had to pass through, just to get to the-"
"Palace of Anichkov, just around the corner!" Alexander finished the sentence pointing to the tower of the Palace from the window behind the Bishop's desk. Again they all laughed.

c. John Apotsis 2008- 2009