Our Church Building
Our church building is a reflection of both ancient tradition and spiritual vision, drawing from the teachings of St. John the Apostle and the structure of the Old Testament Temple. The design of an Orthodox Church is intentional, aiming to convey the unity of all creation in God. It’s not simply a replica of the Last Supper’s upper room or a secular meeting hall—rather, the church building itself symbolizes the world in its entirety.
Like the Old Testament Temple, which had a courtyard, nave, and Holy of Holies, our church is divided into three main areas: the Narthex (vestibule), the Nave (central gathering space), and the Altar (Sanctuary). These divisions each represent different spiritual realms:
- Narthex: The earthly world.
- Nave: The community of believers, the people of God.
- Altar/Sanctuary: The Kingdom of God.
Narthex
At the western entrance of our church, the Narthex serves as the vestibule or entryway. Historically, this area was reserved for the catechumens (those preparing for baptism) and penitents (those excluded from Communion due to serious sins). During the Liturgy, the phrase “the doors, the doors” refers to the separation between the Narthex and the Nave.
In the past, the Narthex was often large and might have included a baptismal pool. While our Narthex is smaller and lacks doors, it serves as a space for candles and prosphora (offering bread) to be sold.
Before entering the church, we pause at the stairway leading to the Narthex for a moment of prayer. Above, a small belfry with a bell rings during services.
Nave
The central part of our church, the nave, is where the faithful stand to pray, the faithful Christians on earth who already belong to that holy assembly, “…fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…“ (Ephesians 2:19) enter into the eternal worship of God’s Kingdom in the Church.
The Nave is the central space where the faithful stand to pray. This is the gathering place of the Church, symbolizing the assembly of believers on earth, who are united with the saints and angels in the eternal worship of God’s Kingdom.
The Iconostasis, a screen adorned with sacred icons, separates the Nave from the Sanctuary. It symbolizes our connection to Christ, the Virgin Mary, and all the saints. Through the icons, we witness the heavenly realm as it looks back upon us.
Our Iconostasis features three sets of doors:
- Royal Doors: The central doors through which Christ, the King, passes with the Holy Communion.
- Southern Door: Featuring an icon of Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
- Northern Door: Depicting Saint Anna and the Virgin Mary.
Above the Royal Doors is the Icon of the Mystical Supper, reminding us of the central sacrament of Holy Communion. Other icons in the upper tiers of the Iconostasis depict major feast days and the Mother of God, our patronal icon, Joy of All the Sorrowful.
Altar
The Altar is the most sacred space in the church, representing the Heavenly Throne and the Kingdom of God. The central Altar Table is consecrated for the Sacrament of Holy Communion and is adorned with sacred items, including the Cross, the Book of the Gospels, the Tabernacle, and the Pyx.
The Tabernacle houses the reserved Sacrament, and the Pyx is used to bring Holy Communion to the sick. The Antimension is a sacred cloth with the image of Christ’s burial, holding relics from the martyrs as a symbol of early Christian traditions.
At the altar, we also find sacramental items like the Chalice, Diskos, Asterisk, Lance, and Spoon, all used in the preparation and distribution of Holy Communion. The altar is traditionally located on the eastern side of the church, symbolizing the direction of Christ’s return. Holy relics are also inside the altar table.
Behind the altar table stands a cross and a seven-branched candelabrum. And two sacramental fans (Ripidion).
The is another table in the altar, also covered by sacred vestments. Upon it the proskomedia is performed, the rite of preparing the bread and wine for the celebration of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion. This table stands in what is called the northeastern corner of the sanctuary and holds the sacred vessels. First among them are the (cup), into which the church wine is poured, and the diskos, a small round plate on a stand. The diskos usually bears a depiction of the Infant Jesus lying in the manger. It is used to hold the Lamb, a piece of bread, cut out of the center of a little loaf (), which will be consecrated at the Liturgy, as well as particles of bread cut from other prosphora. Along with the chalice and diskos are found the following items: the asterisk, composed of two bent metal arcs, joined together in the form of a cross, which is placed on the diskos so that the veil will not touch the pieces of bread cut from the prosphora; the lance or spear, a knife which is used to cut out the Lamb and portions of other prosphora; the spoon with which Holy Communion is administered to the faithful; and the sponge used to wipe the .
The altar, towards which the faithful direct their gaze, is traditionally located on the eastern side of the church. Since Apostolic times it has been customary to pray facing the east, which symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who enlightens every man that comes into the world. (The orientation of our building may be a little off.)
Liturgy in the Church
The Divine Liturgy is not of earthly origin—it is rooted in the heavenly realm, as revealed to St. John the Apostle in the Book of Revelation. In his vision, he describes an altar, golden censers, chalices, angels, and saints surrounding God’s throne, all praising the Creator. The heavenly worship John witnesses mirrors the Orthodox Liturgy here on earth.
In church, as in heaven, the Holy Eucharist is offered on the altar. The Lamb (the consecrated bread) is central, and the martyrs’ relics, once placed beneath the altar, connect our Liturgy to early Christian practices.
When we gather for the Divine Liturgy, we join with the angels and saints in a mystical communion, offering our prayers in union with the heavenly worship of God’s eternal Kingdom.