The visitor to an Orthodox Church is usually impressed by the unique
features and the external differences between this place of worship
and those of the various traditions of Western Christianity. The rich
color, distinctive iconography and beauty of the interior of an
Orthodox Church generally are in sharp contrast to the simplicity
which one finds in many Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.
When one enters the interior of an Orthodox Church it is like stepping
into an entirely different world of color and light. The art and design
of the Church not only create a distinctive atmosphere of worship but
also reflect and embody many of the fundamental insights of
Orthodoxy.
True tradition calls for a Church to be in one of three architectural
designs. The first is in the form of a cross, symbolizing the Cross of
our Lord. The second is that of a long and tall building resembling a
ship. The ship, or ark, is where the faithful gather and journey
towards the Kingdom with Christ at the helm. The third, and the
design of Holy Trinity, is a rotunda or large dome structure
signifying unity and it's eternal purpose, having no beginning or end
as the Church was established by Christ Himself. The design of our
Church is based on the concept of a central dome representing God's
Heaven supported by twelve columns representing the twelve
disciples of Christ. The traditional adornment of the interior depict
the truths of His revelation with the saints of His Church all about.
Eastern Orthodox tradition calls for elaborate use of symbolism and
iconography in the interior decoration of the Church building.
The icons and stained glass windows serve not as mere ornaments
designed to decorate or make the Church look nice but have a
theological and liturgical function to fulfill. They are intended to serve
as a point of meeting between Heaven and Earth. As the congregation
prays Sunday after Sunday, Holy Day after holy Day surrounded by
the figures of Christ, the Angels and the Saints, these visible symbols remind the faithful unceasingly of the invisible presence of
God and of the whole company of Heaven at the Divine Liturgy and
every time they enter their Church.
We thank you for visiting our site and hope to see you worshipping
along with us.
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