Early Christian Churches

The Apostolic Era Christian worshipped in private homes Mass was originally celebrated as part of a ritual meal Bread and wine were blessed and shared either before or after the meal was served

St. Peter’s House, Capernaum Probably the oldest Christian Church

Era of Persecutions Christians continued to worship in homes – but they were specially designed to meet the needs of Christian worship Worship consisted of Scripture readings, the blessing of bread and wine, prayers of petition, hymns Bread and wine were donated by the community = offertory procession

Earliest know Christian house-church was excavated at Duro-Europos, Syria

Terms to Know Basilica – 1) a style of church architecture originating around the year 300 and popular until around 800 2) a church designated by the pope as having historical significance Nave – the main area of a church where the congregation gathers for Mass Apse – the semi-circular area at one end of a church

Cruciform – a church shaped like a cross Transept – the “arms” of the cross Sanctuary – the area of a church where the altar is placed; in modern churches it includes the lectern (ambo) and presider’s chair Cathedral – the bishop’s church; from the Latin word cathedra meaning throne

Christian Roman Empire Constantine donated Roman basilica’s to be used as Christian churches Basilicas were large public buildings originally used as law courts They were rectangular with a chair for the judge at one end, small windows and an apse at one or both ends

Floor plan of a Roman basilica

Ruins of the Basilica of Maxentius, Rome

Byzantine Churches The Church adopted the basilica style of architecture for new churches These churches were usually rectangular, with an apse at one end Many had a circular shaped baptistery off the nave Some had bell towers, although these usually were not attached to the building

Christian Basilicas Santa Sabina, Rome Constructed c. 422

Mausoleum of Galla Placida, Ravenna

Hagia Sophia, Constantinople

Interiors were rectangular, with the altar usually at the east end Congregation stood for Mass, with men on one side and women on the other Altar was near the apse; priests and deacons sat along the apse wall Windows were small and high up, so they let in little light Mosaics and frescoes brightened the interior

Hagia Sophia

Santa Sabina

San Giovanni, Ravenna

Mosaic of Christ, the Good Shepherd Mausoleum of Galla Placida

San Vitale, Ravenna

Empress Theodora San Vitale, Ravenna

Many early churches had a separate baptistery Baptisms were still mostly done with adults and were usually by immersion Baptism of children became more common after the year 400

Baptistery at St. John, Lateran

Mosaic of St. Paul, the Blessed Virgin and St. Peter at the Lateran Baptistery

Baptismal Font, the Lateran

Source for pictures Sacred Destinations. destinations.com September 3, destinations.com