Church Structure/Vessels
Church Structure and Vessels
ALTAR: A cubical table placed in the midst of the sanctuary on which the Holy Sacrifice is offered (the Lord's Body and Blood). Around the altar there is four pillars that end up with a dome called "ciborium" or "canopy." The altar symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ's grave.
BAPTISMAL FONT: It is often found in a special room, at the north-west of the Church's nave. During baptismal rites the priest recites certain prayers to sanctify the water and the baptized person. The baptized person (or his godfather) renounces Satan, i.e. rejects him, declaring his faith in God, Church and resurrection of the dead. The baptized person is immersed in water three times, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifying that he is buried with the Lord for three days. Receptacle for baptismal water, normally made of stone, more rarely of metal. From early times, baptism is by immersion. It was a large basin below ground-level in which the neophyte stood within the water.
BAPTISTERY: The place where the baptismal font is located. Egyptian baptisteries are usually square shaped or rectangular. As it is an integral part of the church, it is completely subordinated to the shape of the building.
CENSER: A silver or copper container where embers are put and incense is burnt to be presented to God. It refers to the Virgin holding Christ. The fire that unites with charcoal refers to the divinity of Christ united with humanity.
CHALICE: A golden or a silver vessel where it is put the holy wine and some water. In the Eucharist this is transferred to the Lord Jesus Christ's Blood. The chalice is put in a wooden box called the "Ark," or the "Throne." The earliest Christian chalices were commonly of glass, though other materials were sometimes used. By the 4th century, the precious metals had become general, and valuable chalices of gold or silver set with precious stones are mentioned by SS. Augustine and John Chrysostom.
CHRISMATORY: A small cruet, made of glass, earthenware, or metal, used as a receptacle for the holy Chrism. It is usually kept inside a locked wooden box, and placed in the sanctuary or close to the baptismal font.
CHURCH (ITS' SECTIONS)
- The sanctuary where there is the altar.
- The nave, divided into:
- The Chancel
- Chorus of the Believers
- Chorus of the Catechumens (the Narthex)
CHURCH'S SHAPE
- In the shape of a ship, reminding us of Noah's ark
- Circular in shape as eternity is, having no beginning nor end
- In the shape of a cross
On top of it are semi-circular domes that remind us of heaven. The big middle dome stands on four pillars, on each pillar is drawn the icon of one of the evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
ICON: Icons are flat pictures, usually painted in egg tempera on wood, but also wrought in mosaic, ivory, and other materials, to represent the Lord, the heavenly creatures and saints. We honor the icons (holy pictures) because they remind us of our Lord Jesus Christ, heavenly creatures and saints. Icons are anointed with Chrism (Myron) to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. We don't worship icons but we honor saints. Statues are forbidden.
ICONOSTASIS (Iconstand): It's called "Iconostasis," simply a wooden or a marble stand that holds the sanctified icons. It comprises three doors, the central or Royal Door admitting to the main altar. On the right side of the royal door is put our Lord's Icon, while on the opposite side we find the Virgin Mary's Icon. This Iconostasis reminds us of the saints and heavenly creatures who are present with us to participate in our praise of God.
INCENSE: A fragrant mixture of gums, resin, and spices, burned ceremonially in services of worship. Incense refers to prayer (Ps. 141:2). It was used in the worship of the Jewish Temple. The twenty-four heavenly priests present incense in golden censers (Rev. 5:8).
INCENSE BOX: A box for incense, which is usually of silver or carved wood. It is placed at the right hand of the celebrant. A small spoon is usually placed in the incense box and used for putting the incense in the censer.
PATEN: A round silver plate, where the lamb is put. It refers to the Lord Jesus Christ manger and grave.
PILLARS: Pillars in our Church reminds us of the Lord's promise: "If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of My God" Rev. 3:12. On the top of each pillar is a crown.
PROSPHARINE (Altar's veil): The Greek word "Prosharine" means "to offer the oblation." A cover put over the holy elements, on the altar. To be put after the Prayer of Thanksgiving, and removed after Reconciliation (Spasmos). It refers to the stone that the angel had moved aside after the Lord's resurrection.
SACRED RIBBON (ZINNAR): A ribbon that the priest ties up on the shoulder of the baptized as a sign of his union with our Lord Jesus Christ. The priest also ties up a ribbon on the groom's shoulder as a sign of his union with the bride, in Christ.
SAINTS' RELICS: God glorifies His saints as they did glorify Him throughout their lives long. Thus He does wonders through their bodies. We don't worship the saints but we venerate them, for they are the triumphant children of God.
SANCTUARY: The section at the commencement of the church. In it there is an altar, niche and tribune. The sanctuary represents heaven of heavens where the divine throne is.
VESSELS, SACRED: The chalice, paten, ceborium, cruets, etc., used in the Holy Communion.