Are churches supposed to face east?
The orientation of Christian churches reflects the historically documented concepts that one should turn eastward to pray and the architectural and liturgical principle that temples and churches should be constructed facing east (often specified as equinoctial east).
Are churches always east to west?
1. Direction: churches are always rotated east to west with the chancel, sanctuary and altar in the east. This is because the east faces towards the holy city of Jerusalem which is where, in medieval writing, God’s presence was said to be strongest.
When did the Catholic Church turn the altar around?
After years in which priests celebrated Mass with their backs turned to worshipers, altars were repositioned after the Second Vatican Council (1963-65) so that the priest could face the people. In recent interviews, the cardinal was quick to say he is not advocating an immediate change, but is taking a longer view.
Where do church steeples originate from?
The tradition of church steeples dates back to the eighteenth century in Europe. As people immigrated to America they brought with them church architects who began designing churches as grand cathedrals which always had high steeples.
Which way does a cathedral face?
The axis is generally east/west with external emphasis upon the west front, normally the main entrance, and internal emphasis upon the eastern end so that the congregation faces the direction of the coming of Christ.
Which direction should altar face?
The wall where you place it must be oriented towards North or East direction. So, it will make you face that direction every time you sit in front of it to pray or meditate. Almost all temples and churches are oriented towards North or East directions.
Why do graves face east west?
He said Christian tradition was for people to be buried east to west. … “People are being buried the wrong way – facing north to south and not east to west as they should be. “It might seem a bit trivial, but some residents are unhappy and it’s a serious matter to them.”
Why are churches built on high ground?
Most Christian churches are built to stand out. For hundreds of years, churches, often placed on high ground and boasting a tower or steeple, were the most impressive structures around. They announced their permanence and dominance – important when they were in competition with earlier, pagan beliefs.