THE 3 BRANCHES OF CHRISTIANITY

Generally face east (Jerusalem) Large churches generally have more than

one altar – High Altar is for Eucharist, others for private devotion

Some have both a pulpit (for the proclamation of the Gospel – clergy only) and a lectern. If there is only one, known as an ambo.

The sacristy will contain the sacrarium – a drain that goes directly into the earth – for rinsing altar cloths and cleaning sacred vessels.

Most Catholic churches have stations of the cross

Style of churches have changed somewhat since 2 n d Vatican Council (1960s)

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH DESIGN

PRE VATICAN II LITURGY

High altar, Communion railing,Priest faces altar,Eucharist only received by mouth,Lay people do not read from Scripture,Responses are limited,Mass in Latin

VestmentsChaliceCiboriumCenserMonstranceHoly water

fontStatuesSanctuary

lamp and tabernacle

SACRED ITEMS IN ROMAN CATHOLICISM

The Catechism states that the Mass is central.The communion of saints is always invoked – those

alive on earth and those who have been called into eternal life.

The Catholic Mass is highly symbolic:Signs from creation (fire, water, bread, wine, oil)Signs from society (anointing, breaking bread, washing)Signs from Old Testament tradition (Passover rite, sacrifices)

The Mass is broken into the following main sections: Introductory rites (vesting, penitential rite)Liturgy of the WordLiturgy of the Eucharist (from the offertory to the dismissal)

ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS

Orthodox churches are said to be designed to resemble Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem – as it is described in 1 Kings.

The Holy of Holies is: Lined with cedar overlaid with gold Building is filled with icons and angels Holy of Holies is separated by curtains and double doors

from the nave – the Royal Door and the Deacon’s DoorThe nave is separated from the altar area by an iconostasis (“icon screen”)

ORTHODOX CHURCH BUILDING DESIGN

ICON SCREENS

ORTHODOX EXTERIORS

The Orthodox Divine Liturgy consists of three main parts: Proskomedia – the preparation of the holy gifts before the

liturgy begins The Liturgy of the Catechumens – or Liturgy of the Word The Liturgy of the Faithful – or Liturgy of the Eucharist

Eucharist consists of leavened bread – disagreement between John’s Gospel and the synoptics (M, M, L). Eucharist given under both species, and only by mouth.

Sacraments of initiation aregenerally received all at once, in Infancy – baptism is by immersion.

ORTHODOX DIVINE LITURGY

OVERVIEW OF ORTHODOXY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l09khpR4XVk – orthodox first communion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9v88XpVdWI - orthodox crowning khouri wedding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej52Dp9RUhw - Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas worldwide