In front of the platform is a throne for the empress, another for the Patriarch, and a third is the ancient throne of Vladimir. Behind the screen are several chapels, one of which contains tombs of the patriarchs; in another are some sacred relics, as a nail of the true cross, a robe of the Saviour, and part of one worn by the Blessed Virgin, with a picture of the latter, said to have been painted by one of the apostles. The Assumption is the holiest and most highly venerated church in Russia. The coronation of the emperor, which takes place here, is a most solemn ceremonial, for it is the consecration of the sovereign. It is preceded by fasting and seclusion for preparation. The Czar recites aloud the confession of faith, and on his knees offers the prayer for the empire. He places the crown upon his own head, and walking through the royal gates, takes the bread and wine from the altar without the aid of the priest, as in ordinary cases, the recipient is not permitted to touch the elements himself. Close by the Assumption is the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, which is the mausoleum of the sovereigns of the Rurik and Romanoff families from an early period down to the time of Peter the Great, and of Peter II. since that time. The cenotaphs are covered with faded crimson palls, badly spotted with grease from the candles above them. The tomb of young Dimitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, murdered by Boris Godunoff, is venerated by the faithful, because, after the anarchy and bloodshed produced by the false Dimitris, the coffin and body of the true one were discovered by a miracle. The tomb of Ivan the Terrible is next to the altar, though he often broke the canons of the church. His cross, set with very large pearls and an emerald a third of an inch in diameter, is preserved here. The churches of the Annunciation and of the Redeemer are close by; but the students declared that they had seen churches enough for one day, and they entered the House of the Holy Synod, containing the wardrobe and treasury of the church, where robes, mitres, and crosiers, decked with precious stones, are exhibited. In this house is prepared the holy oil used in baptism, in consecrating churches, and in anointing the emperor at his coronation. The vessels used in compounding it are of solid silver, weighing thirteen hundred pounds. It is composed of thirty different ingredients, the principal of which is pure Florence oil, with wine, fragrant gums, balsam, and spices. It is made according to the ancient rule, and a few drops of the chrism brought from Constantinople is mingled with it. Some say this is a part of the ointment used by Mary Magdalen in anointing the feet of the Saviour; and a portion of the new chrism is returned to the "Alabaster," which contains it, each time any is used. All the children of Orthodox parents are anointed with this oil at their baptism.