www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Holy Protection of the Mother of God Byzantine Church

I was able to get new pictures for the profile of The Holy Protection of the Mother of God Byzantine Church in Denver , Colorado. The person who took the pictures is named Aaron Cary and when I asked him if we could use his pictures he said we could. Can someone please update the parish's profile page?
https://www.byzcath.org/index.php/f...obi2Details&catid=13&sobi2Id=137

Amazing! Looks sort of like my local Rutheinan church.

Iconodule,

Thanks very, very much - much better than what I had previously.

We're in a holding pattern right this minute as to updates because of an upgrade to the directory software that is in process. However, as soon as that is accomplished - hopefully in the next couple of weeks - I'll update the entry.

Many years,

Neil

Now, that's a great example of successful interior design for a small space if I ever saw it.

Despite the diminutive structure and the very plain architecture of the building, the church looks positively sumptuous on account of that magnificent iconastasis structure and its beautiful doors. Additional touches, such as the chandelier and the small oriental rug in the aisle, along with various traditional elements such as the hanging votives at the icon stations to the left and right, really lend a touch of old world charm.

That clever thing they did with the steps leading up to the iconastasis (they don't go all the way across to the left wall) create an extra small space for veneration in front. That's just genius.

I love this church. I am familiar with far too many small churches that look boring because those who design them lack creativity, imagining that magnificence is only for larger spaces. This church proves that faulty notion all wrong. To me, a small church like this that is cleverly designed and decorated with taste and talent is every bit as splendid as a great cathedral.

RI

Your post above has me just a wee bittie puzzled .

you said
Please would you explain what you mean ?

Yes. If you look at the third photograph, notice the steps leading up to the icon screen. They don't extend across the entire width of the church; they stop short, on the left, making room for worshipers to approach that icon station standing against the left wall. Someone had his thinking cap on when he designed that space.

AAAH - I took it that that was the chanters stand

I've never thought of it as helping our parishioners approach the icons there, but I see how it would. Its actually an emergency exit! The icon of Nicholas pushes in and there is a stairwell behind it that leads to the basement and outside. I'm guessing we have one of the only churches in the world where when the kids sing "O kto kto," Nicholas actually comes out of his icon! (He comes out of the "secret" door.)

Bless, Father Michael,

I love it!

If one looks at the very first photo in the thread, the icon door is ajar.

Many years,

Neil

PS Iconodule, I haven't forgotten. We've experienced a slight delay in getting the directory content moved and, thus, the entry hasn't yet been updated. Soon - very soon!

Welcome, Father! I actually got to catch your interview, on EWTN, about Eastern Catholicism; I enjoyed much of the insight you provided.