Yesterday we talked about civil unions in Greece and the strong opposition of the Greek Orthodox Church. Religion makes itself felt here, although for the tourist it is only about visiting churches and admiring the art and so characteristic Greek icons.
But how should we interpret what we see inside a Greek church? Churches have their form, their organization, their symbols and meanings, and perhaps we don't know all of them. For that reason, because if we go to Greece we will surely get into a church let's see what to see inside a Greek Orthodox church:
Greek churches are dedicated to saints so first of all we will always see a icon of that saint. On a wall we will also see many images forming a screen. This wall is in the area where the priest keeps the sacred objects and prepares for the religious ceremony. No one can get to this point, only him and those who help him. And much less women so you have to be careful not to do it, unless you are completely alone in the temple.
If we look up and contemplate the ceiling we will see a image of Jesus Christ Emperor of the World. In general it is in the dome of the church. We will also see a egg hanging from the ceiling representing the resurrection and maybe even an ostrich egg suspended with metal bars. Do Greek churches have colorful stained glass? No, in general the color is put in the icons of the most important saints.
Are there aromas in the air? Yes, frankincense or myrrh oil is burned and there are always burning candles. Outside the Greek church there is a flag with a double headed eagle. This animal is a medieval emblem of the Greek Orthodox Church that is usually hung at festival times.