The first impression leaves a lasting mark on the keen observer’s mind. However, it must be pointed out that previous experiences and prior knowledge enhance the interpretation of the images, artworks, structural design, and events under scrutiny. The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the St. Ignatius Church are both located in San Francisco, California. Both churches are equally impressive; however, the worship service at The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is more fascinating. The difference is probably due to the history of the Greek Orthodox Church, and the message that its adherents desire to convey to the world.
Without a doubt, the St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco is one of the most impressive religious structures in America. The architectural design of the church provides powerful incentives to join the worship service. As parishioners enter the main building, they are greeted with soaring architectural marvels that reminded them of their mortality. When they pass through the gates, they knew they are in the realm of the sacred.
Great care was given to the architectural details that comprise the ceiling and the walls of the church. It can be argued that the design of the church was meant to compel churchgoers to look up into the heavens. Those who are more knowledgeable about building construction will definitely appreciate the presence of arches and the way the inner structure was designed to hold the massive roof of the church. The arches are technological innovations in the medieval ages that enabled church builders to create massive structures and prevent the collapse of the building due to the heavy load. The arches provided a way to distribute the weight of the roof (St. Ignatius SF 1).
Inside the St. Ignatius Church, one can find statues of saints, the Madonna and child, and the crucified Jesus. A statue of St. Ignatius Loyola, the patron saint of the said church, gives the church a unique identity. The presence of the statues points out the importance of the saints when it comes to prayers and faith. The presence of the Madonna and child reminds the first time visitors of the honor given to the Virgin Mary as she plays an important part in the lives of the Catholics. Therefore, the Virgin Mary and the saints play a crucial role in the salvation of the human race.
The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is a breathtaking sight (Holy Trinity SF 1). The church’s powerful impact is partially explained by its novelty. Although the St. Ignatius Church is equally impressive, there are several church structures all over America that resembles the same design and follows the same worship service program. However, there are only a few church buildings that are comparable to the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church.
The church is also known by another epithet, and this byname holds the key to understanding its mysterious impact on the human soul. This beautiful church in San Francisco is also known as the Greek Orthodox Church. The name forces the churchgoer to remember the past. It can be argued that this is the central message of the church, and that is to persuade people to focus on the orthodoxy component of worship. In other words, it is important to remember the original design, the way the church fathers worshiped during the days of the apostles and Jesus Christ.
It is interesting to note that although the Greek Orthodox Church believed in the importance of venerating important human contributions in the history of the church, the honor given to individual saints and to the Virgin Mary is less obvious. There is a significant contrast in the way the saints and the Virgin Mary are honored in the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church versus the St. Ignatius Church.
When it comes to the worship service, both churches follow the same pattern. The Catholics at St. Ignatius Church calls the ceremony the mass, while the churchgoers at the Holy Trinity called the ceremony the Eucharist or the Divine Liturgy. Although similar in nature, the Holy Trinity asserts its orthodoxy by trying to capture the essence of the Last Supper. Thus, in the Holy Trinity Church, the priests handle real bread as opposed to the Roman Catholics who prefer to use wafer-like elements when it comes to commemorating the Last Supper.
Conclusion
After comparing the worship services witnessed in the St. Ignatius Church and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, the proponent of this study was compelled to say that the service at the Greek Orthodox Church was more fascinating and fulfilling. The main difference is the way every element and every aspect of the worship service work together to bring back the ambiance experienced by ancient worshippers thousands of years ago. For example, the paintings on the walls and the artworks are the type of design that one will find in ancient Christian churches. It is not just about authenticity, the Greek Orthodox Church adheres to a core value that says it is important to believe in Sacred Scriptures and the need to perpetuate holy traditions.
Works Cited
Holy Trinity SF. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 2015. Web.
St. Ignatius SF. St. Ignatius Church, 2015. Web.