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Essay on A Comparison of Two Christian Denominations

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A Comparison of Two Christian Denominations

The two churches that I am going compare and contrast are the Anglican Church and the Orthodox Church. These two churches have many different symbolisms and traditions, but nevertheless have the same basic belief in that Jesus Christ is the centre of their faith and worship.

The Orthodox Church is renowned for its colorful outside, exotic features and images along with elaborate rituals. An Orthodox Church cannot be confused with any other as it has those tell-tale domes that characterize the ostentatious expressive Orthodox faith. The external square shape with the dome on the top is an indication that everything in God's universe is seen by him. The …show more content…

The seven- branched candlestick depicts God's presence and reminds us of the seven sacraments.

The church's striking beauty does justice to the familiar phrase 'built for the glory of god,' and its beauty is epitomized in the iconostasis. This is an elaborately decorated screen of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary. The iconostasis is a spiritual symbol of the gulf between heaven and earth, humans and the almighty God. Icons form an integral part of the Orthodox worship, as they believe that God is totally beyond human reach therefore the use of these icons enables them to reach God. Behind the iconostasis lies the spiritual realm and as the priest opens the royal doors the congregation is allowed a small glimpse into heaven. The doors are a linking bridge between heaven and earth; they are the only way into heaven. Within the church the sanctuary would symbolize heaven and the nave would symbolize earth.

Despite the slightly gaudy extravagance; still at the heart of the church lies a peaceful holy sense of God's presence. Together all these different features, symbolisms and sanctities create the perfect recipe to do justice to the omnipotent God. The Orthodox Church takes the view of dark mysterious atmosphere as being the best tone to worship God.

In contrast to the numerous over-elaborate symbolisms of the inside of the Eastern

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