I wanted to share a few photos of the absolutely lovely interior of All Saints OCA in Northeast PA. We worshipped there with our friends and godkids during our visit at Thanksgiving. Several years ago a fire destroyed the interior of the temple; they have slowly been restoring the iconography and are nearing completion. Unfortunately, our camera chose this moment to stop working, so we only got a few shots. But I think they are enough to show how beautiful it is. I love being surrounded by images of fellow Christians and biblical figures who have gone before me when I worship; it very much provides a sense of continuity and timelessness. I love how you know that you are standing in the presence of God in an Orthodox church; there is no question as to what the purpose of the building is. We also attended vespers at St. Tikhon's Monastery the evening before and the peacefulness and beauty of the service was much-needed spiritual refreshment. We hated to have to leave. But no matter which Orthodox church I am in, I always encounter a spirit of peacefulness and awe when I am there. I am thankful for those moments with God.
7 comments:
What a beautiful church!
beautiful! I feel the same way...
Beautiful. I miss real churches and auditoriums and pews and organs. Where we live, land is so expensive that congregations gather in schools on the weekend or store fronts. So few church buildings here.
I imagine Heaven feels more like a living room than an auditorium, though.
Thanks for sharing these photos. Lovely.
I knew that I maybe knew you somehow! This is Donna, I met you at All Saints when you came to visit the Rucks'... I'm hoping/guessing I have the right person? Anyway, I have followed your blog for some time, and it was a treat to see pictures of my parish on this post! Blessed Nativity to you and your husband! ...and, if I have the wrong person, please forgive me! But your photos of All Saints are great! :)
Donna - how delightful to know I met you! Yes, I'm the right person. All Saints was beautiful - my husband took the photos. You are fortunate to worship there. I'd love permission to view your blog as well. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
I am so happy you enjoyed your time at All Saints. You and your husband are welcome to come worship with us any time! My blog is actually private to all, since I am using the space to post my findings in some research I am doing for my job. Some day, it may become something I will make public, but since it is in a format that is just for my private use while working on projects for my job, I plan to keep it private for now. But, my main way of communicating with my online community of Orthodox friends is through Facebook. If you'd like to become friends on there, feel free to search for me in Ellen's friends list -- I am the only one whose first name is Donna. :) God willing I'll talk to you soon! Christ is born! Happy new year!
I am scrolling through your blog and have to say that these photos are gorgeous! We live in a mission-recently-turned-parish in a storefront. I am looking forward to the day when we build a church on our land.
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