I have been meaning to take photos of the parish for a while, and finally managed to today.
The table Cross for the Forty Days’ prayer service, sitting in front of the icon of Saint Basil the Great. Note the Byzantine double eagle near the bottom—there are many such symbols in modern parishes descended from Constantinople and Antioch. I hope to collect all the examples from our parish for a separate post.
My fascination with Byzantium is well-known amongst my friend circle and old blog-followers. It’s a healthier habit than, say, fentanyl, but I’m not sure it’s cheaper.
The North door with the icon of Saint Romanos the Melodist. If you have not read any of his magnificent 6th Century kontakia (long-form sung sermon poems), do so. They reward repeated reading. Some fragments still survive in the Liturgy, but the long-form style died out by the Ninth Century.
The Maronite Saint Charbel Maklouf is right above, along with Saint Rita and the Prophet Elias (Elijah). As is their wont, the Maronites are happy to share. And St. Charbel is a story worth sharing.
An OK look at two of our pulpit icons—I didn’t have time to get Matthew and Luke, but you get the idea.
A less-OK, but still useful, photo of our iconostasis. Yes, the church is still a bit light on color for a Melkite church, but remember: it was dedicated in 2022.
The Holy Doors. Only the priest and deacon can enter, or pass in front of the altar behind them. Anyone else can go to the other three sides of the altar: for example, I helped put the crucifix back up and personally re-placed the icon of Saint John the Evangelist after Pascha. The carpet peeking out has double eagles, as does one behind the altar.
Soon, soon.
Love the church (or more correctly, temple). The woodwork and icons meld together beautifully. The Holy Doors are very nice as well!