Traditional Orthodox-Catholic Church Architecture

Orthodox churches generally take one of several shapes that have a particular mystical significance. The most common shape is an oblong or rectangular shape, imitating the form of a ship. As a ship, under the guidance of a master helmsman conveys its passengers through the stormy seas to a calm harbor, so the Church, guided by Christ, carries humanity unharmed across the stormy seas of sin and strife to the peaceful haven of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Churches are also frequently built in the form of a Cross to proclaim that we are saved through faith in the Crucified Christ, for Whom Christians are prepared to suffer all things. Less frequently churches are built in the shape of a circle, signifying that the Church of Christ shall exist for all eternity (the circle being one of the symbols of eternity) or in the shape of an octagon, signifying a star, for the Church, like a star, guides a person through the darkness of sin. Because of the difficulties of internal arrangement, however, the latter two shapes are not often used.

Orthodox churches are traditionally oriented East-West, with the main entrance of the building at the West end. This symbolizes the entrance of the worshipper from the darkness of sin (West) into the light of Truth (East). This rule is violated only if the building had been previously constructed for another purpose, or if services are conducted in a private home, for example, when the entrance and main portion have been arranged according to convenience.

On the roof of Orthodox churches are usually found one or more domes (towers with rounded or pointed roofs), called cupolas. One cupola signifies Christ, the sole head of the Christian community; three cupolas symbolize the Most- Holy Trinity; five cupolas represent Christ and the four Evangelists; seven cupolas symbolize the Seven Ecumenical Councils which formulated the basic dogmas of the Orthodox Church, as well as the general use in the Church of the sacred number seven; nine cupolas represent the traditional nine ranks of Angels; and thirteen cupolas signify Christ and the Twelve Apostles.

A peculiar feature of Russian Orthodox churches is the presence of onion-shaped domes. In the early history of the Russian Church, especially in Kiev, the first capital, the domes of the churches followed the typical Byzantine rounded style, but later, especially after the Mongol Period, Russian churches tended toward the onion domes, which, in many places, became quite stylized. Historians are not in agreement as to the origin of this particular style, but some suggest that since this style was more popular in northern Russia, it had a practical application in that the shape was particularly suited to shed the large amounts of snow common in the region.

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A Spirtual Teaching of Saint Seraphim of Sarov

Just as the Lord is solicitous about our salvation, so too the murderer of humanity, the devil, strives to lead a person into despair.

A lofty and sound soul does not despair over misfortunes, of whatever sort they may be. Our life is as it were a house of temptations and trials; but we will not renounce the Lord for as long as He allows the tempter to remain with us and for as long as we must wait to be revived through patience and secure passionless!

Judas the betrayer was fainthearted and unskilled in battle, and so the enemy, seeing his despair, attacked him and forced him to hang himself; but Peter, a firm rock, when he fell into great sin, like one skilled in battle, did not despair nor lose heart, but shed bitter tears from a burning heart, and the enemy, seeing these tears, his eyes scorched as by fire, fled far from him wailing in pain.

And so sisters and brothers, Saint Antioch teaches, when despair attacks us let us not yield to it, but being strengthened and protected by the light of faith, with great courage let us say to the evil spirit:

“What are you to us, estranged from God, a fugitive from heaven and evil servant? You dare do nothing to us. Christ, the Son of God, has authority both over us and over everything. It is against Him that we have sinned, and before Him that we will be justified. And you, destroyer, leave us. Strengthened by His venerable Cross, we trample under foot your serpent’s head.”

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An Alcoholic Monk? Or (Even Addicts Are Saints: Men Looks at the Flesh, But God Looks at the Heart)

Source: An Alcoholic Monk? Or (Even Addicts Are Saints: Men Looks at the Flesh, But God Looks at the Heart)

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A Prayer for Fall

Gracious God, we praise you for the changing of the seasons. Autumn is upon us. Leaves are changing from a vibrant green to a panoply of shades of orange, brown, and red. We ooh and ahh at the beauty of your Creation. The days swing back and forth between warm and cool. Ever more, the sun hangs lower in the sky, the nights grow chillier and heavier blankets are pulled from closets. Church youth retreats, homecoming celebrations, the raking of leaves and carving of pumpkins are underway. We thank you, O God, for being ever watchful and caring of us in this season.

Cleanse us from sin, O Lord. May we not ignore the mounting number of mass shootings in our nation, the intensifying violence in the Holy Land, the urgent plight of refugees in Europe, and the suffering experienced by those in pain and poverty. Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts that we may reach out to those alienated and isolated, dealing with addictions, fearful and hurting. Purify our lives and lips that we may be dedicated to your service.

As the Day of Thanksgiving approaches, make us truly thankful for your grace and love. Let us dance for joy for the gifts you bestowed upon us. Be patient with us, Creator, as we stumble toward you. It is with gladness and singleness of heart that we worship in your Name.

Jim Winkler,
President and General Secretary of National Council of Churches

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Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos

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The Nuns of Shamorodino

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Repose of the Venerable Sergius, Abbot and Wonderworker of Radonezh

Saint Sergius of Radonezh was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3*, 1314.  His parents were the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria. God gave Cyril and Maria a son whom they named Bartholomew.  At the age of seven, Bartholomew was sent to study together with his two brothers: his older brother Stephen, and his younger brother Peter. His brothers learned successfully, but Bartholomew fell behind in his studies, even though the teacher gave him much special attention. The parents scolded the child, the teacher chastised him, and his classmates made fun of his lack of comprehension. Finally, Bartholomew besought the Lord with tears to grant him the ability to read.

Once, his father sent Bartholomew out after the horses in the field. Along the way he met an angel sent by God under the appearance of a monk. The Elder stood at prayer beneath an oak in a field. Bartholomew approached him, and bowing, waited for the Elder to finish praying. The monk blessed him, gave him a kiss and asked what he wanted.  Bartholomew answered, “With all my soul I want to learn reading and writing. Holy Father, pray for me to God, that He may help me to become literate.”  The monk fulfilled Bartholomew’s request, offering up his prayer to God. In blessing the child he said to him: “Henceforth, my child, God gives you to understand reading and writing, and in this you will surpass your brothers and peers.”  Then the Elder took a vessel and gave Bartholomew a piece of prosphora. “Take, child, and eat,” said he. “This is given to you as a sign of the grace of God, and for the understanding of Holy Scripture.”  After this the holy child read without difficulty and understood the contents of books. He became immersed in prayer with a special fervor, not missing a single church service. Already in childhood he imposed upon himself a strict fast. He ate nothing on Wednesdays and Fridays, and on the other days he sustained himself on bread and water.

On October 7, 1337 Bartholomew was tonsured by Igumen Metrophanes, taking the name of the holy Martyr Sergius, and he started to build a new habitation to the glory of the Life-Creating Trinity.  Gradually he became known to other monks seeking his guidance. St Sergius accepted all with love, and soon a brotherhood of twelve monks were gathered in the small monastery.  Their experienced spiritual guide distinguished himself by an extraordinary love for work. With his own hands he built several cells, he carried water, he chopped wood, baked bread, sewed clothing, prepared food for the brethren and humbly took on other tasks.  St Sergius combined the heavy work with prayer, vigil and fasting.  The brethren were amazed that with such severe exertion the health of their guide did not deteriorate, but rather became all the more hearty. It was not without difficulty that they implored St Sergius to accept the position of Igumen (Abbot) of the monastery.

The Russian Land at this time suffered under the Mongol-Tatar Yoke.  Having gathered an army, Great-prince Demetrius Ioannovich of the Don went to monastery of St Sergius to ask blessing in the pending struggle.  On September 8, 1380, on the feastday of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, Russian soldiers gained a total victory over the Tatar hordes at Kulikovo Pole (Kulikovo Field), and set in place the beginning of the liberation of the Russian Land from the Mongol Yoke.  During the fighting St Sergius and the brethren stood at prayer and besought God to grant victory to the Russian forces.

Having reached old age, and foreseeing his own end six months beforehand, St Sergius summoned the brethren to him and designated his disciple St Nikon, who was experienced in the spiritual life and obedience, to be Igumen.  In tranquil solitude St Sergius fell asleep in the Lord on September 25, 1392.   On the night before, the great saint of God summoned the brethren a final time to give them his final instruction: “Brethren, be attentive to yourselves. Have first the fear of God, purity of soul and unhypocritical love….”

*All dates are according to the Julian Calendar and currently fall thirteen days later on the current civil calendar.

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