The Church from a liturgical perspective
His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the Church as the House of God and the Gate of Heaven, citing the first biblical reference to it in Jacob’s vision when he said: “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28).
The Church as the House of God and House of Prayer
He explains that the Church is the house of God and the house of prayer, as the Lord Jesus said: “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Mark 11:17). Therefore, reverence, holiness, and respect are due to it, as the Psalm says: “Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord.” Everything in the church is holy because it is dedicated to God alone — the place, the people, the vessels, and the actions.
Consecration with Myron
He clarifies that the church is consecrated with the holy oil (Myron), as are the icons, baptismal font, vessels, and altar, so that the Spirit of God may sanctify the place and everything in it, since “holy” means “set apart for God.”
The Church as Heaven
His Holiness compares the Church to heaven, because God dwells in it with His angels and the spirits of the saints; hence it is also called the House of Angels. The lights and candles symbolize angels, saints, and the divine light.
Symbolism of Lights and Candles
The lights in the church symbolize the heavenly light, the Word of God which is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” and the saints who shine like stars in heaven, and the believers who are “the light of the world.”
Architectural and Spiritual Symbols of the Church
He likens the church to the Tabernacle of Meeting, representing the church’s pilgrimage on earth, and to Noah’s Ark, which was the place of salvation from the flood — just as those inside the church are saved.
Symbolism of Directions and Doors
He explains the symbolism of the eastward orientation of churches because Christ is the “Sun of Righteousness,” whose Second Coming will be from the east. Baptism from the west symbolizes the passage from darkness to light, from sin to righteousness.
The Altar and its Holiness
He explains that the altar is the center of worship, representing the Cross and the Divine Sacrifice, mentioned in both Testaments, such as St. Paul’s saying: “We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat” (Hebrews 13:10). Also, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: “There will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt” (Isaiah 19:19).
Respect for the Altar and Sanctuary
He stresses not entering the sanctuary with shoes, following God’s words to Moses: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” He explains the priest’s reverent actions when entering and leaving the altar, and the importance of bowing before it.
The Unity with the Saints
He affirms that greeting the saints during the incense offering expresses the unity of the heavenly and earthly church, for the saints are alive in spirit and share with us in worship.
The Lectern and the Pulpit
He explains that the lectern (the Gospel stand) is surrounded by candles symbolizing the light of the Word of God, and that the reading of the Gospel is considered a prayer that enlightens the mind and heart.
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