Symbolism Part 1

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this module is to teach seventh graders about the details and symbolism of various aspects of the church. The students will learn about how all features and details that are found in the church, such as the vessels, architecture, hymnology, iconography, etc., have deep spiritual meanings beyond what we can observe with our senses. When we understand the symbolism of the details, we are able to appreciate the traditions of our church. In this lesson, we will take a closer look at some architectural features of the church, as well as the use of the censer and its importance in worship.

INTRODUCTION - 5 Minutes

Introduce the module to the students and explain that in this lesson, we will focus on the symbolism of some of the church's vessels and architectural features. Emphasize the concept that all of these details have spiritual meanings beyond what we can observe with our senses, and that these meanings are intended to help us to come closer to God during our prayers.

This lesson will focus on 4 aspects:

  1. Domes
  2. Pillars
  3. Ostrich Egg
  4. Censer & Incense

For this lesson, it is crucial to have a visualization of the items that will be presented. If it is possible to bring a censer to show to the students, it would be a great opportunity for them to see it up close and give them a closer perspective. If a screen is available, whether it's projected or even on a tablet to be shown around, images can be found in the Appendix below.

DOMES - 5 minutes

Relevant passages from the Holy Bible can be found throughout the lesson.

Memory Verse

"In every place incense shall be offered to My name." (Malachi 1:11)

DOMES - 5 minutes

A main feature of many Coptic churches are domes. The representations of domes symbolize heaven.

  • Some Coptic churches have one dome, called a cupola. The dome interior is usually painted with the icon of our Lord or in a bright blue color decorated with angels and stars. This resembles Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church who is seated in the heavens.
  • Some churches have three cupolas, which represent the Holy Trinity.
  • Other churches have five cupolas. The larger one is located in the center representing our Lord Jesus Christ, and the four smaller ones surrounding it represent the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

PILLARS - 5 minutes

"If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name" (Revelation 3:12).

Another architectural feature found in most Coptic churches are pillars between the aisles. People tend to think this is for support for the church building; however, there are other uses for these columns.

  • In the Bible, we can read about pillars in both the Old and New Testaments:
    • In the Old Testament in Solomon's Temple two pillars were set up (2 Chronicle 3:17).
    • In the New Testament St. Paul referred to the disciples as pillars (Galatians 2:9).
  • Churches that are not large enough to sustain twelve pillars may have four pillars that represent the four evangelists.
  • In ancient churches, pillars are decorated with crowns, which are each unique. These symbolize those who will be crowned by our Lord, each receiving his own crown.

OSTRICH EGG - 5 Minutes

In our Church, an ostrich egg is hung from the middle of the Royal Door on the Iconostasis. When an ostrich lays an egg, it keeps her eyes fixed on it and watches it 24/7. Hanging the ostrich egg reminds us that God is always watching us closely and taking care of us.

Additionally, the Ostrich egg is a reminder to us of the Resurrection, which we celebrate each time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy. From the outside, the egg appears to be a lifeless shell, but inside there is new life.

CENSER & INCENSE - 15 Minutes

"In every place incense shall be offered to My name" (Malachi 1:11)

Use of the Censer and Incense

  • The use of incense in worship is a very ancient practice. The reasons we continue to use it are partly historical, partly symbolic, and comes from a combination of Jewish and Christian traditions.
  • In the Bible, we read about the censer being used in both the Old and New Testaments
    • In the Old Testament we read how the Jews used to offer incense to God in the Temple
    • In the New Testament, the angel came to Zachariah while he was raising incense in the Temple, and also in Revelations with the 24 elders offering incense before the Lord.
  • In our worship today the priest raises incense in the following times:
    • In the evening during Vespers
    • On the morning during Matins
    • During the Liturgy

Parts of the Censer

  • The censer is usually made of brass or silver in the shape of a cup, with a dome on top
    • The upper dome represents heaven. The lower cup represents the womb of Mary.
  • The cup is suspended on three chains plus one additional attached to the dome to move it up and down (to add incense)
  • The three chains represent the Holy Trinity, and the fourth middle chain is to symbolize that they are one.
  • There are 12 bells, representing each of the 12 Apostles.

The Symbolism of Incense

  • Inside the censer, the deacons put a lit charcoal, and then the priest puts incense on the charcoal.
  • The burning charcoal gives both heat and light, which represent the nature of Christ in the womb of St. Mary
    • The heat represents Christ's Humanity
    • The light represents Christ's Divinity
  • The smoke that rises from the burning of incense is like our prayers, offerings and confessions rising to God.
    • Psalm 141:2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
  • Incense also has some other characteristics that carry spiritual meanings
    • Constant ascent
      • The burning incense does not accept to be kept down, but it rises to the sky, stretches and spreads and never ceases to ascend and spread. When you watch and follow it you cannot help raising your eyes to the sky whether you wish to or not. That is why incense always attracts people's senses to above as if it is an arrow pointing continually to heaven.
    • Incense has a sweet smell or aroma
      • Whoever smells the incense remembers that man's life should be a fragrant perfume before God. The Holy Bible says: "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ... through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place" (2 Corinthians 2:15-14).
    • Forms clouds when offered
      • The cloud is a sign for the presence of the Lord. "The Lord said He would dwell in the dark cloud" (I Kings 8:12). The clouds further remind us of the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. "They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30).

APPLICATION (Action) - 2 Minutes

Remind the students to reflect on the spiritual meanings of the features that were reviewed next time they attend liturgy, and to see if they can find any of the features if they haven't noticed them before.

Review the memory verse and have the students say it aloud. After saying the memory verse, have them substitute the word "incense" for "prayers" to remind the students that prayers should be offered to God in every place, not just while in church.

Additionally, when we remember that God is always watching us, it helps us to keep our behavior good and to always do the right thing. For example, we may be tempted to check our phones, or talk to our friends while in church because perhaps parents or Abouna can't see us; however, like we learned with the ostrich egg, God is always watching us. This also applies to our daily lives, not just on Sunday mornings. When we leave church, God continues to watch and protect us, so therefore we should be mindful of everything we do that it may be pleasing in the eyes of God.

CONCLUSION - 2 Minutes

All of the architectural features and vessels found in the church have spiritual meanings beyond what we can see with our eyes. When we understand their meaning, we grow closer to God while we partake of the liturgy.

ACTIVITY - 5 Minutes

In the attached diagram of the censer, have the students describe what each part of the censer represents. (See attached Activities).

RESOURCES

Censer & Incense:

Other Symbolism:

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

If they don't already have one, encourage your child to devote a certain place at home for prayer (it may be in their bedroom.) They can place a small table in their room and put a Holy Bible, icons, candles, etc. Encourage them to do their nightly prayers in this area.

APPENDIX

Domes - outside

Dome - inside

Pillars

Ostrich Egg

Censer and Incense box

LESSON ATTACHMENTS

Grade 7 Week 1 Activity (Liturgy).pdf