Structure
The first churches were built in a rectangular shape, in the form of a ship or an ark. When the Divine Liturgy is celebrated, the faithful are transported from earth to heaven. The church is the ark of salvation.
In time, churches were built in the form of a cross, as a symbol of Christ’s victory.
Churches were also built in the form of a circle (rotunda) or in the shape of a star. A church built in the form of a circle represented the eternal Church of Christ. A star-shaped church represented the light Christ shining in the world.
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.