His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the Church as the House of God and the Gate of Heaven, explaining its deep holiness and that it is not merely a building but a place of God’s presence and the meeting of heaven and earth.

The Church as the House of God

He begins by explaining how the term “House of God” was first used when Jacob saw the vision and said: “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God and this is the gate of heaven.” Since then, the house of God became the symbol of God’s dwelling and holiness.

Holiness in the Church

His Holiness stresses that the Church is holy because it is consecrated to God, and everything in it — vessels, icons, and the altar — is sacred, anointed with myrrh, and used only for God’s service.

The symbolism and structure of the Church

He explains that the Church resembles heaven, for God and His angels dwell in it; it is called “the House of Angels.” The lights and candles symbolize angels and saints who shine like stars, and also the Word of God which is “a light to man’s path.” The Church is also likened to the Tabernacle (a symbol of pilgrimage) and to Noah’s Ark (a symbol of salvation), as the place of safety for the chosen people.

Directions and symbols

Pope Shenouda clarifies that the eastward orientation of the altar has deep spiritual meaning, since Christ, the “Sun of Righteousness,” came from the East. The western door symbolizes the passage from darkness to light, and the eastern part represents union with God.

The Altar and its holiness

He affirms that the altar’s existence is biblical, citing Hebrews 13:10, “We have an altar,” and Isaiah 19:19, “There will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt.” The altar is the place of the divine sacrifice and a symbol of the cross.

Etiquette of entering the sanctuary

He explains that only servants of the altar enter the sanctuary barefoot in reverence, as God told Moses to remove his sandals, because “the place where you stand is holy ground.” Entry must be with humility and bowing in respect to the altar.

Communion with the saints

He describes the incense offering and greeting of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and all saints as a sign of communion with them, believing that they are alive in the Lord and share our worship.

Teaching and light

He speaks about the pulpit and the Gospel lectern as places of teaching and enlightenment, with candles symbolizing divine illumination. Reading the Gospel is considered a form of prayer that lifts the heart toward God.

Spiritual conclusion

In Pope Shenouda’s vision, the Church is Heaven on Earth: the House of God, the House of Prayer, the House of Angels, and the Ark that gathers believers on their journey to salvation. Every part of it holds sacred meaning leading to God’s presence and the salvation of the soul.

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