Describe a sight and your first general impression of it.
There is no use denying the fact that every Church serves as the reflection of the culture of people who created it and who have the same beliefs. That is why there are different confessions in the world that have their own special architectural style for their churches which is dictated by peculiarities of the main principles which are followed by these communities. St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco is a representative of the Roman Catholic Church. At the first gaze, it becomes obvious that it is definitely a Catholic Church. Peculiarities of architecture give a clear understanding of the character of this very building. A magnificent combination of Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles helps to impress a viewer and convey the feeling of admiration and religiosity. The massive building can be seen from afar and it is difficult not to pay attention to them. Moreover, it becomes obvious that the inner part of the church will be not less admirable.
Describe what theological principles the sight’s architecture, images, and symbols attempt to convey. You need to relate these principles to the peculiar denominational nature of the sight (in other words, in a Catholic Church you’ll find architecture, images, and symbols that reflect Catholic theological agenda and in a Protestant Church you’ll find architecture, images, and symbols that reflect Protestant theological agenda)
It is possible to suggest, that all peculiarities of the style of any church were formed under the influence of certain demands which were dictated by religion. First of all, having entered St. Ignatius Cathedral it is possible to see traditional benches. They are a common feature for all Catholic churches. These benches are placed here for people to be able to think about their life sitting alone, trying to understand the will of Heaven.
Moreover, arcs and leaded panes also help to create a strong impression, underlining the grandeur and power of the Catholic church. It is possible to say, that in general, all peculiarities of style and some parts of decor which can be seen in St. Ignatius Church can be taken as traditional elements of Catholic Churches whose main aim is to impress a parishioner and create a feeling of loneliness and calm greatness of the place which can allow people to understand the rightness of their choice.
Mention a particular detail (s) that you found to be the most interesting, unusual provocative, inappropriate, etc.
It should be said that the interior of the church is the most interesting thing for a simple viewer. It is impossible not to admire its beauty. There is one more reason for such admiration of the interior of this Cathedral. The beauty of this place can appease a person. Being angry or disappointed, he/she can just enter this church and his/her feeling and emotions will be forgotten. Besides, he/she will be able to rethink the life and try to obtain some answers. The atmosphere of the Cathedral is unique and it is possible to suggest, that it is one of the main factors which helps to promote the development and spread of religion all over the world. People, who have ever been here, will not be able to forget these feelings.
Describe a sight and your first general impression of it.
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco is another example of a beautiful Church. However, at the first gaze, it becomes obvious that this Cathedral is built by representatives of another confession. Rounded forms and lines are peculiar to the architectural style of Orthodox Churches. Moreover, the cupolas of the building help to create the unique appearance of the Cathedral and underline its belonging.
Describe what theological principles the sight’s architecture, images, and symbols attempt to convey. You need to relate these principles to the peculiar denominational nature of the sight (in other words, in a Catholic Church you’ll find architecture, images, and symbols that reflect Catholic theological agenda and in a Protestant Church you’ll find architecture, images, and symbols that reflect Protestant theological agenda).
The first obvious difference between St. Ignatius Church and Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral is the absence of benches inside the building. It is prohibited to sit in orthodox churches. The thing is, that the Orthodox Christians believe that in this way they will be able to rich the God faster as it can be taken as another trial for them. There are many vespers services in the Orthodox church and standing people show their affection and devotion to God because it is rather difficult to do it, having no rest for a long period of time. Moreover, there is also a great number of differences between the appearances of these two Cathedrals. The interior of the Orthodox Cathedral is not so complicated and elaborated as the Catholic one. There are not man tiny details or ornaments, however, it is still richly decorated with gold and some other metals. Additionally, there is obviously a great difference between the styles in which icons are written.
Mention a particular detail (s) that you found to be the most interesting, unusual provocative, inappropriate, etc.
The clothes of priests are the thing which impresses most of all in this very Cathedral. They are absolutely different from the traditional vestments of Catholic ecclesiastics. Being richly decorated, these clothes serve as the symbol of the power of priests. Moreover, they can help people to determine the level of authority of a certain churchman. However, these clothes look marvelous and very solemn. It should be said, that traditionally priests of the Orthodox church used to wear very elaborate and rich outfits for people to see their unique character. Moreover, the whole look of a priest is rather unusual and serves to create a special atmosphere of trust in the church.
The atmosphere in the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco should also be mentioned. Solemnity is mixed with a feeling of helplessness in the face of some higher power. However, it is still pleasant to come here again and again.