The Steeple :

To a Church, the steeple is like a mast to a ship. It is preferable that it be erected separate from a main building of the church, so that the vibrations of the bells do not affect the structure.

The Bells :

The bells sound at a certain time or a prayer (eg. during the Offertory etc.) and have a different tune for each occasion. This is to enable those prevented by extreme circumstances from attending church, to pray concurrently at their locations or to make way to the Church.

The Doors :

Symbolic of the Holy Trinity, the Orthodox Church should have three dorrs to form the entrance and exit, to and from the Church. The main door is the western door, so that all entrants face the east where the Holy Altar is located. The remaining doors are located on the northern and southern side. These three doors therefore symbolise the holy trinity, and the doors to the Kingdom : "the way, the truth and the life".

Shapes of the Church :

Rectangluar : Symbolising the light of Jesus in each shine from the east.

Boat : To remind us of the rescue boat in the Old Testament (Noah's Arc). This also serves as a reminder that we have no earthly home, and that we are on a journey to our ultimate destination : the Heavenly Harbour.

Cross : The sign and symbol of salvation.

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Supplied by : Bishoi Rizkalla & Yvonne Tadros