The Structure of the Church

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, and is all Your own” ~(1 Chronicles 29:16) S T M ARY C OMPUTER C ENTER, E AST B RUNSWICK, NJ, Sunday School Computer Program© 2013

The Sanctuary The first section is the Sanctuary (aka Holy of Holies). It represents heaven and contains the Altar, the dome, the steps, and the Eastern wall.

The Altar This is where the sacrifice is offered. It is square in shape, made of wood or marble, has three coverings on top and must have a “holy board” on it or anointed with Chrism.

The Dome The dome above the altar is based on four columns. It is painted in blue to represent Heaven, with angels drawn on it.

Seven Steps Seven steps that lead up to the Christ’s throne, underneath the Eastern wall. The seven steps represent the seven virtues required to attain righteousness.

Eastern Wall It is a semi-circular wall called the “Father’s Bosom”. It has an Icon of Christ sitting, surrounded by angels and heavenly creatures.

Eastern Wall He is looking directly at the people and opening His arms to them to accept them all to Him. Only the Icon of Christ is in the Sanctuary because He is the only one who is in Heaven.

The Royal Gate The gateway to the sanctuary is called the Royal Gate. Only the priests are allowed to enter from the Royal Gate.

The Iconostasis The Sanctuary is separated from the church by an iconostasis (carrier of the icons). The Icons on the iconostasis have a specific order.

The Iconostasis On the right side is an icon of Christ, John the Baptist, and any saint or martyr.

The Iconostasis On the left side is an icon of the Theotokos, the annunciation, and Saint Mark.

The Iconostasis Above the Royal Gate is an icon of the Last Supper surrounded by the Twelve Disciples.

The Iconostasis Above is Christ crucified with Saint Mary at his right and St. John at his left. An ostrich egg is suspended below. The ostrich egg represents Christ’s resurrection. Christ came out of the tomb like how a bird comes out of its eggshell

Other Icons The rest of the icons are placed around the Church from left to right. Angels, St. Mary, St. John the Baptist, Old Testament Saints, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, and New Testament Saints can be used

Other Icons The rest of the icons are placed around the Church from left to right. Angels, St. Mary, St. John the Baptist, Old Testament Saints, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, and New Testament Saints can be used

The Baptismal Font At the west side of the church is the Baptismal font. Through Baptism, we are taken from darkness into light, and from being far away from God to His bosom, so we move from West to East.

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, and is all Your own” ~(1 Chronicles 29:16) S T M ARY C OMPUTER C ENTER, E AST B RUNSWICK, NJ, Sunday School Computer Program© 2013