The Structure of the Church

Structure of the Church The Church is shaped like the tabernacle, Noah’s ark. It has 3 sections: 1. Sanctuary (holy of Holies): It represents the Heaven and contains the altar, the dome, the steps, and the Eastern Wall

Cont’d… The Dome: above the altar is based on four columns, painted in blue to represent Heaven, with angels drawn on it and has curtains suspended from between the columns

The Alter The Altar: where the sacrifice is offered. It is square in shape, made out of either wood or marble, has 3 coverings on top and must have “holy board” on it or anointed with Chrism (mayroon).

The Bishop’s Throne The Steps: Seven semi-circular steps that lead up to the Bishop’s throne, underneath the Eastern wall. The Bishop would be sitting under the feet of Christ (after having climbed 7* steps) and speaks to the people from behind the Altar, because his words and service is not due to his own righteousness, but to the righteousness of Christ

Cont’d… The Eastern Wall: Is a semi-circular wall called the “Father’s Bosom.” It has an Icon of Christ sitting, surrounded by Cherubim and Seraphim. He carries in one hand the earth (He is the controller of everything-the Pantocrator) and carries a staff in the other hand to shepherd His people. (John 10:11) He is looking directly at the people and opening His chest to them to accept them all to Him. Only the Icon of Christ should be in the Sanctuary, for HE is the only one who is in Heaven (along with the angels) right now.

Cont’d… The gateway to the sanctuary is called the “Royal Gate” from which only the priests should enter. The Sanctuary is separated from the church by an inconostasis (carrier of the icons). It is not a divider (like in the tabernacle), but a means to get into the Holy of Holies (by the prayer of the saints). The icons have a specific order as they are placed on the iconostasis

Iconostasis: On the Right Side: Lord Jesus Christ St. John the Baptist The Saint of the church Any Saint or martyr, or biblical event

Iconostasis cont’d… On the Left side: The Theotokos St. Mary The Annunciation of Christ’s birth Archangel Michael St. Mark

Iconostasis cont’d… Above: The Last Supper, surrounded by the 12 disciples Above them is Christ crucified, with St. Mary at His right and St. John at His left

Ostrich eggs are suspended between them (eggs in general represent Resurrection; life inside a tomb) Lighted oil lamps are hung in front of all the icons, except Christ, because He is the light of the world

Iconostasis cont’d… Around the nave of the church, the rest of the icons are placed in a specific order: From left to right: Angels, St. Mary, St. John the Baptist, Disciples and the Old Testament Saints, Apostles, martyrs, Confessors, and New Testament Saints At the West side of the church is the Baptismal font (because through Baptism, we are taken from darkness to the light, and from being far away from God to His bosom, so we move from West to East

Conclusion…. The church has a specific order and structure to it. Everything has been placed for a reason. When we understand the purpose behind these orderings we can appreciate them more, and they will help us to honor God with them.

Memory Verse “O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:16)