Sacred Space
When we think about Church, we don't often think about "space." Where we stand, how we stand, the area around us, what fills our field of vision - all of these are essential parts of the "sacrament" of sacred space.
Open spaces often make us feel vulnerable, even self-conscious, distracting us from other things. The "unobserved observer" is perhaps our most comfortable position in space.
The Church is a sacred space with definite reasoning behind its various areas. Some buildings, particularly older, more organic structures, do a much better job of interacting with people in a "sacred" way.
The tendency in modern architecture, including American Orthodoxy, is to think of the congregation as "audience" and to concentrate on clear lines of sight. Of course, this also puts the congregation in the most "open," even vulnerable, position. I suspect this is why many people avoid standing at the very front of the Nave.
Think about how you interact with the sacred space of St. Anne. What is comfortable for you, and what distracts? Take time in worship (if you have opportunity) to see things from a different perspective and reflect on it.
The photograph I've posted is something I took recently before I began my prayers in the altar. It's just one of many "perspectives" within the Church's space. It is one of my favorites.
May God fill our space with the joy of His presence!
Fr. Stephen +
