The Beauty of Our Church

I think we sometimes take for granted the beauty of the inside of St. Stephen’s church.  After attending several events in other churches recently, I realize just how fortunate we are to be able to worship in a church that surrounds us with so much inspiration.  My favourite time to really see the inside of our church is at night when it is empty (except for God).  I am amazed at the beauty of the stained glass and the mosaic art pieces.

Mosaics are among the oldest forms of religious art.  St. Stephen’s Church currently has five large mosaic art pieces, three of which are located in the sanctuary.  Installed in 1990 they are finished with oak frames and mounted to support columns to appear as if they are floating in space.  In reality they are extremely heavy and required considerably reinforcement to secure them.   Three subjects were chosen:  The Resurrection; the Mother of God; and, St. Stephen the Protomartyr (Greek meaning “first martyr”).  Two other large mosaics are installed in the nave.  They are finished with the same oak frames and mounted to interior brick walls.  The depiction of Jesus and the children, the largest icon in the church, is dedicated to our children and future generations of the parish.  Our Lady of Pochaiv is near the sanctuary and is unique because of its curved oak frame and scriptural text panels.

Over the centuries, thanks to Christian imagination and creativity, the Church has inherited a rich and living tradition of ecclesiastical art.  Christian art continues to inspire, instruct and nourish the faith and devotion of believers.  One of the most striking of all is that of stained glass.  The stained glass windows in St. Stephen’s are made of the best English and European hand made antique, pot metal and flashed glass.  The windows are a creative mix of traditional symbolism and contemporary design that depict a story in a flowing form.  Some of this story may be know to the viewer, whereas certain images and symbols may require further explanation. 

For more information on all of our beautiful art refer to our St. Stephen’s book. 

Editor’s note:  only a few more weeks and I will be taking the summer off.  Please send me your stories so that I can publish them by the end of June.  Thank you!  Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers!
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Laurie Kindrachuk, editor  Contact me:  laurie.kindrachuk@shaw.ca  Cell 403-614-5581
 

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