A stupid question, asked in desperation

[Robert Chandler]

Dear all,

I once noted this down, about the Russian sect known as the Skoptsy:
"Before undergoing an initiation rite that entailed castration, men used to say a prayer that began, ‘Goodbye sky, goodbye earth, goodbye sun, goodbye moon, goodbye stars, goodbye lakes, rivers and hills, goodbye all elements of heaven and earth.’ "

I have no idea where I found this, not even whether it was a Russian or English-language source.  And now I need to cite it. Does anyone recognize this?

All the best,

Robert

Robert Chandler, 42 Milson Road, London, W14 OLD

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                        http://seelangs.wix.com/seelangs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------