The first Christian Church was the Upper Room of a guest house on Jerusalem. It was there that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with His Apostles and instituted the Most Holy Eucharist. It was the place where Jesus appeared to His disciples risen from the dead. It was also the place where the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and disciples, where the seven deacons were chosen, and where the first Apostolic Council was held.
In the first century, early Christians gathered for prayer, teaching and the celebration of the Eucharist in private homes, which were called “house churches.” This practice continued during times of persecution.
In the second century, public Christian churches began to appear, which were constructed on the same design as Jewish synagogues.
In the third century, the number of Christian churches increased significantly. In the city of Rome alone, there were forty churches, which were destroyed during the persecution of Diocletian.
Christian churches began to flourish in the fourth century when Emperor Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which allowed Christians to openly practice their faith.
In the early centuries of Christianity various names were given the “house of prayer” were Christians gathered for prayer, teaching, and the celebration of the Eucharist. The following are the more significant names.
Ecclesia
Ecclesia is a Greek word which means an “assembly” or “congregation” that has been called out of the world and to God.
The word ecclesia can have a twofold meaning: 1) an assembly of people; and 2) the place where people assemble. In the first sense, the word church denotes the community of believers established by Christ. This is the meaning that Jesus had in mind when He said to Peter, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18).
In the second sense, the word ecclesia (church) also means a place where the Christian community assembles for prayer.
The Lord’s House
The Greek word kirios means “Lord” and the word kiriakon means “belonging to the Lord.” In the New Testament, this word is used in reference to the Lord’s Supper and to Lord’s Day (Sunday). The English word “church” is derived from the German word kirche, which comes from the Greek word kiriakon. Therefore, another name for church is “the Lord’s House.”
House of God
Another name for church in Greek oikos theo, which means “House of God.” This name is used in the Old Testament.
House of Prayer
This name was used in reference to the temple in Jerusalem.
Temple
In the fourth century the Christian church was called a “temple,” from the Latin word templum. The biblical Hebrew word for temple is hekal, and the Greek is hieron.
Martyrion
The Greek word martyreo means “to bear witness,” or “to profess one’s faith.” Hence, the word martyr means “to be a witness to Christ.” For this reason, the churches or chapels that were built over the tombs of martyrs or in their honour were called “martyria.”
CHURCH EXTERIOR
Structure
Many churches are built in a rectangular shape, in the form of a ship or an ark, facing east. When the Divine Liturgy is celebrated, the faithful are transported from earth to heaven. The church is the “ark of salvation.” The Great Church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) in Constantinople was built in this form.
Some churches are built in the form of a cross, as a symbol of Christ’s victory. The basilica church in honour of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople was build in the form of a cross by the Emperor Constantine.
Churches may also be built in the form of a circle (rotunda) to symbolize the eternal nature of Christ and His Church. The church that was built in Jerusalem over the site of the tomb of Christ was a rotunda church.
A star-shaped (octagonal) church represented the light Christ shining in the world. Constantine the Great built an octagonal church in Antioch.
A square church also points to the eternal nature of Christ and His Church. Constantine the Great build a square church near the Oak of Mamre.
Domes
A church building (temple, house of God) may have one single dome, or sometimes, many domes. One dome serves as a symbol of the One Head of Church, Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were made – the heavens and the earth. He is the Pantocrator, the Almighty One, who sustains all things and governs all things. This image of Jesus as Pantocrator is usually portrayed within the main dome. Three domes symbolize the three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity. Five domes symbolize our Lord Jesus Christ and the four Evangelists.
Each dome is crowned with a Cross, the sign of victory.
If there are no domes, then the apex of the church is crowned with a Cross.
Bells
A Belfry is generally constructed in connection with the church, either in a separate tower or in one of the domes.
The direct use of the belfry is to summon the faithful to worship. They are also rung at certain points in the service, in order that the faithful who, for whatever reason, are not in church, may unite their prayers with those who are in church. At Matins, the bells are rung before the reading of the Gospel. At the Divine Liturgy, one bell is rung while the Holy Gifts are being consecrated.
CHURCH INTERIOR
Structure
The church interior is divided into three distinct parts:
- The sanctuary beyond the iconostasis (icon-screen);
- The nave or the body of the church;
- The narthex.