Table of Contents
Why is a pulpit important?
In many Evangelical Christian churches, the pulpit stands squarely in the centre of the platform, and is generally the largest piece of church furniture. This is to symbolize the proclamation of the Word of God as the central focus of the weekly service of worship.
What is the stage of a church called?
In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery), at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building.
Why is a church called a sanctuary?
Religious sanctuary. Sanctuary is a word derived from the Latin sanctuarium, which is, like most words ending in -arium, a container for keeping something in—in this case holy things or perhaps cherished people (sanctae/sancti).
Do Baptist churches have altars?
Calvinist churches from Reformed, Baptist, Congregational, and Non-denominational backgrounds instead have a Communion Table adorned with a linen cloth, as well as an open Bible and a pair of candlesticks; it is not referred to as an “altar” because they do not see Holy Communion as sacrificial in any way.
Why do churches have altars?
The functions of the altar have remained the same in Christian churches down the centuries. During Mass, it serves as a table to hold a copy of the Bible and the consecrated bread and wine that are distributed to worshipers. One to three cloths cover the altar, and a cross and candles may be placed on or near it.
What are the benefits of self sacrifice?
Not only can self-sacrifice lead to greater happiness, it can also strengthen one’s “willpower muscle” in the long term. Numerous studies have demonstrated that when an individual exercises self-restraint or self-control in one area, their ability to do so in all capacities is increased.
What is the back of a Catholic church called?
In most older churches, a sacristy is near a side altar, or more usually behind or on a side of the main altar. In newer churches the sacristy is often in another location, such as near the entrances to the church. Some churches have more than one sacristy, each of which will have a specific function.
What’s a transept?
Transept, the area of a cruciform church lying at right angles to the principal axis. The bay at which the transept intersects the main body of the church is called the crossing. The transept itself is sometimes simply called the cross.
What is a church porch called?
A church porch is a room-like structure at a church’s main entrance. Such a room is sometimes called a parvise which spelt as parvis normally means an open space or colonnade in front of a church entrance. In Scandinavia and Germany the porch of a church is often called by names meaning weaponhouse.
What’s a portico?
Portico, colonnaded porch or entrance to a structure, or a covered walkway supported by regularly spaced columns. Porticoes formed the entrances to ancient Greek temples.
What is the pulpit used for in a church?
Pulpit, in Western church architecture, an elevated and enclosed platform from which the sermon is delivered during a service.
Why are churches East West?
As well as being oriented towards Jerusalem, Christian churches were traditionally built from East to West because the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. The sun rising in the East was associated with dawn on Easter Day, when Christ rose from the dead.
Why do cathedrals face east?
In the catholic liturgy, it describes an eastward orientation of celebrating Mass, according to the “cosmic sign of the rising sun which symbolizes the universality of God.” [1,2] It is interesting to note that the earliest churches in Rome had the main entrance facing east and an apse with the altar to the west; the …
What is a narthex used for?
Narthex, long, narrow, enclosed porch, usually colonnaded or arcaded, crossing the entire width of a church at its entrance.
Why do churches have three doors?
The iconostasis represents Christian continuity from the veil of the Temple in Jerusalem which separated the people from the Holy of Holies that housed the Ark of the Covenant. Normally, the iconostasis has three doors in it. These are the doors that the clergy will normally use when entering the sanctuary.
What does vestibule mean in medical terms?
Vestibule: In medicine and dentistry, a space or cavity at the entrance to a canal, channel, tube, or vessel. For instance, the front of the mouth is a vestibule.
What the Bible Says About altars?
According to the Bible, the fire on the altar was lit directly by the hand of God and was not permitted to go out (Leviticus 6:12–13). No strange fire could be placed upon the altar. The burnt offerings would remain on the altar throughout the night before they could be removed (Leviticus 6:9).
What is the gospel side of a church?
The Gospel side is the other side of the church, where the Gospel is read. Facing the altar from the nave, it is the left-hand side. In some places, especially if a comment is based on a romance language source, the Gospel side will be cited as the Evangelist side.