Theology and Form: Contemporary Orthodox Architecture in America

Description

How do space and architecture shape liturgical celebrations within a parish? In Theology and Form: Contemporary Orthodox Architecture in America, Nicholas Denysenko profiles seven contemporary Eastern Orthodox communities in the United States and analyzes how their ecclesiastical identities are affected by their physical space and architecture. He begins with an overview of the Orthodox architectural heritage and its relation to liturgy and ecclesiology, including topics such as stational liturgy, mobility of the assembly, the symbiosis between celebrants and assembly, placement of musicians, and festal processions representative of the Orthodox liturgy. Chapters 2–7 present comparative case studies of seven Orthodox parishes. Some of these have purchased their property and built new edifices; Denysenko analyzes how contemporary architecture makes use of sacred space and engages visitors. Others are mission parishes that purchased existing properties and buildings, posing challenges for and limitations of their liturgical practices. The book concludes with a reflection on how these parish examples might contribute to the future trajectory of Orthodox architecture in America and its dialogical relationship with liturgy and ecclesial identity. List of Tables and Figures ix Acknowledgments xiii Introduction 1 O N E Orthodox Architecture: Honoring the Past 11 T W O St. Katherine Ukrainian Orthodox Church 45 T H R E E St. Matthew Orthodox Church 73 F O U R Holy Virgin Cathedral 99 F I V E Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 139 S I X St. Vladimir’s Seminary and New Skete Monastery 165 S E V E N Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church ( JOY) Mission 203 Conclusion 223 Notes 238 Bibliography 275 Index 286