Today’s Photo Friday is entitled: “Religion”

Follow the links below for other entries (I will add links as entries come in!):

Sky Windows & Blahblah Blog & Idea jump! & Just for fun & Looking in the mirror

The theme of religion was chosen by Tina over at Sky Windows- and as soon as she named it I knew which photograph I wanted to enter. I have to admit it is an old one I took in 1994! I didn’t have a digital camera in those days so I’ve had to scan the old photograph which does tend to compromise the clarity - nevertheless I still wanted to submit this particular entry.

I took the photo on my wedding day. As we came out of the church (the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church on the corner of Seven West Fifty-Fifth Street and Fifth Avenue, New York) I looked upwards. The sunlight was reflecting off the cross on the top of the steeple so that it was glowing like a beacon, a bright candle, a light, the light.  It felt deeply symbolic to me. Everyone around me noticed and stood staring upwards. I then took the photo that I am submitting as today’s entry.

Light has always had a very special symbolic meaning in the Christian Church. People often light candles as a symbol of their Faith since it is said to represent a great and burning love for God. Candles are lit for many church services; at a traditionsl betrothal service the bride and groom light candles before they enter the church to show the unwaning light of God (during our service we both lit candles from one source, symbolic of being joined together in holy matrimony). Candles are also lit for baptisms, funerals and many other services, because they are imbued  with a variety of spiritual and symbolic meaning. So somehow - the cross on the steeple glowing with light just seemed very appropriate - like a blessing.

Notice in the photograph the “eyes” all around the triangle shape of the steeple - they are symbolic of God being all seeing. The Eye of Providence or the all-seeing eye is usually conveyed as an eye surrounded by rays of light or a glory, and usually enclosed by a triangle. It is sometimes interpreted as representing the eye of God keeping watch on humankind. Notice also the small open doorways around the steeple, each with a sybolic flight of steps inside - they represent the ways open for each person to ascend to Heaven. Isn’t it beautiful?

But first, an excerpt from my novel A Curious State of Affairs (USA  UK) to give you a description of the church itself:

“The actual ceremony was to be held at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church on the corner of Seven West Fifty-Fifth Street, an architecturally  interesting Victorian brownstone construction opposite the Trump Tower International and snuggled between the huge glass and steel skyscrapers of Fifth Avenue. Like a relic of a bygone age, built in 1875, it sits proudly showing off it’s history in a disposable world. It’s a truly beautiful building  with a wonderful spiritual calm inside aided by the twelve inch space between the inner and outer walls that helps to distance the street noise and make it a haven of tranquility even in the noisy 24/7 city that is today’s New York.” (page 175/176).

Then, without more ado (as Tina would say!)  my entry:

Photo Friday: Religion

( It seemed particularly nice looking at the photos again now, since it is our 14th wedding anniversary in just 4 days time!)

Below: Bonus photo - the church in its setting, also taken by me on the day.

NEXT WEEK: 9th May is entitled: Self Portrait (using your choice of gadget from this list)

Below: Suggestions for who picks the title (please state in the comments your choice of title, if you haven’t already, and you’re happy to select!)

Friday 16th May : Title by CuriousC:  Doors, Doorways, & Entries…. to the soul, the house, a city, whatever…

Friday 23th May : Title by Julie: Emotion

Friday 30th May : Title by CordieB: Phantasmagoria 

NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME !

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Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• What to Expect at an Orthodox Church
• Photo Friday - RELIGION
• Photo Friday- Portrait

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