Chapel or church. Temple and church: what is the difference between Orthodox traditions? What is the difference between a church and a church: a brief comparison

In the 11th century in Rus', after the adoption of Christianity, the first monasteries and temples began to appear. In the harsh times of the Middle Ages, the monastery walls served reliable protection from enemy invasions, cells were located inside the walls, and in the center there was a temple site, in the eastern part of which there is an altar with an altar and a throne. A vestibule adjoined the church on the west - there the unbaptized could listen to the liturgy. All churches were consecrated by bishops with a special rite in honor of a saint.

True believers also served in the ranks of the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War - everyone knows that many soldiers pressed holy images to their rapidly beating hearts under their greatcoats, which gave the soldiers courage and faith and did not allow them to die morally in a terrible time. A person who truly believes in God (in any of His incarnations) will not betray the Lord, no matter what political system no matter what happened. All Orthodox Christians sacredly honor traditions, observe fasts, and visit churches. Someone says “church”, “parish”, “chapel”... What is the difference between a temple and a church - let’s try to figure it out!

General concepts

When we say “church” and “temple,” meaning directly the buildings where religious rites, cults and traditional religious activities are performed, we can put an equal sign between these concepts. However, it is necessary to understand that the temple is general concept places for rituals, regardless of religion. Only a Christian temple is called a church, just as an Islamic temple is called a mosque, a synagogue is called in Judaism, and so on. In a word, a temple is a collective concept, a church is a narrower one, limited by the framework of Christianity - this is the main difference between a temple and a church.

Temples

In essence, church-temple-chapel is one and the same thing, but temple is a collective concept; when they talk about the temple, they mean general definition church building, a temple can be called a chapel, a church, a cathedral, and a parish, and of any religion, for example, ancient Greek or Buddhist temples. But such a type of building as a temple does not exist. In addition, the word “temple” has a certain sublime meaning (church - God's temple), by calling the church this way, they want to give it more respect.

Orthodox churches

The church and chapel are the two main types of church buildings in Orthodoxy, and the only difference is that liturgies, which are the main services of Orthodoxy, are not held in chapels, and chapels do not have an altar.
Some churches have special status and are called cathedrals, this is a more honorable status, signifying the high-ranking status of this Orthodox building.

Among the churches there are so-called house churches - churches located at some institutions and intended for. For example, for students of one or another educational institution or workers in the enterprise, as well as for hospital patients. These churches are built on the premises of these institutions, built into buildings, fitting into their structure or facade, and sometimes located inside (churches at the airport).

Other Russian churches and temples are churches of the cross, in which services are held for the head of the Diocese. These buildings are usually located at the bishop's houses or in the diocese building itself. Also among the churches, baptismal churches stand out - these are temples mainly intended for baptismal rites. In general, these rituals are carried out in any temples, as well as in ordinary houses and even in open reservoirs. The baptismal church is a special building located in the basement or aisle of the main church.

Cathedrals

A cathedral is a special status of a church, assigned by the Patriarch due to some special position. For example, a cathedral church in which the ruling bishop conducts services automatically acquires the status of a cathedral, just like the main church of a locality. The interesting thing is that in appearance there is nothing that distinguishes a temple from a church that has the status of a cathedral - the assignment of this rank does not in any way affect the appearance and structure of the sacred building. If a church has been given cathedral status, it stays with it forever.

Chapels

So, we have told you how a temple differs from a church, what cathedrals are, but we often come across such a concept as a chapel. This is a small church building for daily services. Liturgies are not held there. They are usually located in places where there is a need for a place for prayer - cemeteries, airports, train stations, as well as at burial sites or above holy springs.

In this material we will look at the differences between the church buildings of the peoples of the world.

Communication with the Lord God and the highest powers, as a rule, takes place in a special place. For such purposes, the following were created: temple, church, cathedral, monastery, church, mosque and chapel. What is the difference? What is each object?

What is a temple and church, cathedral, monastery, church, mosque, chapel: definition

The most common term is temple.

Anything can be called a temple religious building any direction. For example, a Muslim mosque, a Catholic church, a cathedral. The word “temple” is a Church Slavonic concept that was formed thanks to the word “mansions”.
Previously, people called huge, spacious buildings this way. From here the concept of “royal mansions” also arose.

Cathedral, church, and chapel are terms used for Christian places of worship.

The term "Cathedral" also has Slavic origin. Just listen to how it sounds like “to collect” or “to gather.” In Rus', people also called a cathedral a meeting or congress, when church representatives and representatives of other organizations gathered.
A cathedral is a large temple. People are also accustomed to calling a temple located on the territory of a city a cathedral.

A chapel is a small building where people pray. There are 2 possible origins of this term:

The chapel had a bell that rang every 1 hour
“Hour” is a type of service when prayers were read simultaneously with psalms. These readings were usually called “hours.”

How the term “church” originated, no one can still say for sure. The church is very similar to a cathedral. But they still have some differences.

What is the difference between a church and a temple: a brief comparison

The church is God's house. A home for selected people, for the chosen. Therefore, a church is not a building, but a group of people who believe in God. A temple is also a church. The most important part of the temple is the altar. On the altar there is a meal with a throne (the room in which the person praying is located). The sacraments of communion and bloodless sacrifice are performed on the throne.

So, let's list the main differences between a temple and a church:

The term "church" is broad concept, which denotes architectural structure, plus a collection of several people.
The term "temple" is a special place where worship is held.
A Christian temple consists of an altar and an altar.
Any church is a Christian temple.
The main city church is called the cathedral.

What is the correct way to say or call it: church or temple?

Which term is considered more correct: church or temple? The answer is simple - both the first and second options are considered correct. If we are talking about a building, then it is more correct to say temple. But if there are believers, then it’s better to say church. However, in any version the name will be correct.

What is the difference between a temple and a cathedral: a brief comparison

A temple is a religious building. As a rule, rituals are held in temples. Temples are located all over the world, but they have different names. For example, a Hindu temple is a synagogue, while a Muslim temple is called a mosque.

The cathedral is the main city temple that plays main role V religious life each person. In addition, the cathedral is the main church, which is located in the monastery.

The cathedral and temple have the following distinctive features:

A temple is every religious building in which worship is performed. They call it a cathedral main temple in a village or in a monastery.
As for the liturgy, it can be held in the church either every day or exclusively on Sundays. But in the cathedral, liturgy is held every day.
Only the highest ranks conduct services in cathedrals.
From the outside, the cathedral looks more massive and richer than an ordinary temple.
A temple has only one altar, a cathedral can have several.

What is the difference between a church and a cathedral: a brief comparison

A church and a cathedral are two architectural structures built to hold religious ceremonies and worship services
A cathedral, as mentioned above, is a religious building located either on the territory of a city or on the territory of a monastery
The church is a minor religious building

The cathedral and the church differ in the number of altars. There are several of them in the cathedral, and therefore several services can be held at once. The church has one single altar. Consequently, there is only one service held here.

What is the difference between a church and a monastery: a brief comparison

Every person, even those who do not believe in God, knows exactly how a monastery differs from a church. The differences between these buildings are very large.

Dimensions. A church is a small building located on a small piece of land. The monastery is a very beautiful building in appearance. It is powerful, quite high, and can be located over a large area.
Sexual difference. Both men and women attend the church at the same time. A monastery can be for either men or women. Men cannot enter convent, and women - in men's.

Job titles, responsibilities. Ordinary townspeople, people who have lost everything, can serve in the church. The Bishop is considered the head of the church. Either nuns or priests can serve in a monastery.
Accommodation. People live in the monastery as if they were in a permanent place of residence. You can only pray in the church, and therefore visiting citizens are prohibited from living here.
God's Power. The monastery has a strong and powerful aura. People come here when their hearts are heavy. The church has a weak aura.

What is the difference between a church and a church: a brief comparison

The Catholic Church (Catholic Church) is significantly different from the Orthodox Church. Let's look at the most basic ones:

Appearance. The Orthodox Church has domes, the number of which bears certain meaning. The church has no domes.
Internal view. The church begins with a narthex, on both sides of it there are bell towers. Then comes the naos or main nave. At the end of the main nave is the altar. Large churches have very large rooms. As a rule, they use organs that make the service more solemn. The churches are decorated inside with frescoes, and the churches with icons. The place where the altar is located in the Orthodox Church is separated from the territory by the Solea. The iconostasis is located here. The icons are still on the walls of the main room of the church.

What is the difference between a church and a mosque: a brief comparison

The main difference between a mosque and a church is this: a mosque is not an ordinary house of worship. This is exactly the place where local celebrations are held, and where tired travelers spend the night.

These buildings also differ in the following indicators:

Architecture. The mosque, as a rule, has square or round outlines, resembling a palace in appearance. A mosque must have a minaret - this is a high tower, which from the very beginning was a beacon and a security post. Also, instead of the usual cross, a crescent is installed in the mosque. Plus, the mosque does not have unnecessary furniture elements. The place where people pray looks modest.

Traditions. In an ordinary mosque there is a main room that leads to Mecca, plus 3 auxiliary rooms and 4 iwans. Important point– Women never pray with men. This is because women have the right to pray anywhere, but men only in the mosque.

What is the difference between a church and a chapel: a brief comparison

A chapel is a building in which people pray. There is no altar in the chapel
A church is a building that has an altar

In addition, a church differs from a chapel in the following ways:

To size. The chapel is much smaller than the church.
There is a throne with an antimension in the church. It is without them that it is impossible to celebrate the liturgy. The chapel does not have any.

The main task of the chapel is to help every person. Consequently, chapels are often located at an airport, a cemetery, a hospital, and many other places.

Video: Difference between Catholic and Orthodox churches

Anyone Orthodox Christian It is important to have an idea of what a temple and a church are, what is the difference between the concepts. Although knowledge of the differences does not matter for the eternal salvation of the soul, it presupposes a certain level of education of a person, which can be useful in answering numerous questions from people taking their first steps in the church.

The essence of the concepts “temple” and “church”: what are the differences?

Temple - Russian word, comes from the ancient “mansion”, “temple” - this is how living quarters were designated large sizes. IN modern understanding called a temple architectural building, dedicated to God, in which services are performed and. The form of building the house of God is deeply symbolic and can look like:

The structure, similar to a ship, recalls the temple as an ark of salvation among the raging sea of life, leading to eternal life. The shape of the cross indicates the means and instrument of our salvation. The circle symbolizes eternity. The star means the shining light of truth in the dark sky, which enlightens people.

The temple, as a rule, is crowned with more than three domes and has several altars, divided into side chapels, consecrated in someone's honor. The temple is named in the name of a saint or holiday to which the central altar is dedicated.

On a day, as many liturgies can be served in a church as there are chapels, and, accordingly, each Eucharist must be offered by different priests.

The church (from Greek: House of the Lord) has a broader meaning. In the Orthodox tradition it is understood as:

religious building;
community of all believers in Christ.

A religious building with one chapel where one liturgy can be celebrated per day. The church is smaller in size and has more modest decoration compared to the temple: up to three domes and one serving shepherd.

The second meaning is the Church as the Body of Christ. Combines:

Church of the Heavenly Triumphant ( Mother of God, Angels, saints and all saved Christians);
Church Earthly Militant (Christians fighting for their salvation on earth).

The Church of Christ is a single theanthropic living organism of all Christians, dead and living, bound by the Sacraments, Grace, and the one Gospel Spirit. The head of this Church is Christ Himself. The Savior invisibly controls his flock in the person of the clergy and laity. He performs Baptism, accepts Confession, and communes the believing people with His Body and Blood.

The “Creed” prayer names the Church as Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. The Lord established the Church more than 2,000 years ago and said that it would stand until the end of the age, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. And all the words of the Savior are fulfilled with precision, and we do not need to worry or be afraid of change. God is in control.

Cathedral (from the Slavs. assembly, congress) in the Orthodox tradition has several meanings:

The Apostolic Council is the first ever meeting of the apostles in Jerusalem.
Church Council - a meeting of the clergy for the purpose of developing rules of doctrine, worship and discipline, and a strategy for combating sectarianism.
The main temple of a city or monastery, intended for the service of the ruling bishop with a large number priests.
Cathedral of Saints - religious holiday, uniting saints of the same territory or famous for a single feat.

IN in this context we consider the third meaning of the cathedral - as the main temple of the area. The difference between a cathedral and a church lies primarily in the impressive size of the former. It hosts daily services by at least three priests. The services of the highest clergy are performed in the cathedral: patriarchs, archbishops. For this purpose, a special cathedral may be available and, accordingly, the cathedral is called the Cathedral. There is no throne for the primate in the church.

The cathedral is decorated more richly and on a larger scale, and there can be several altars, like in a temple. The title of “cathedral” is assigned to a church for life, even if the bishop’s chair is transferred to another church. In every major Russian city there are majestic cathedrals that captivate the eye, which become a haven of prayer for believers, and a local attraction for tourists.

The main purpose of cathedrals, temples, churches is the opportunity for a person to communicate with his Creator and like-minded laity. Bring sincere repentance to God, ask for cleansing of the soul from passions and sins, and rejoice for everything.

It will be useful for all Christian believers and those interested in religious science to know about characteristic features the concepts of "cathedral", "temple" and "church", what is the difference between them and what are common features so that expectations from participation in worship correspond to the impressions received.

There are churches: parish, cemetery, house, cross (church at the bishop's or patriarch's house) and cathedral. The cathedral got its name because worship in it can be performed by the clergy of several churches (cathedral service). Cathedrals are usually called cathedrals in diocesan cities or the main church in large monasteries.

Temple (from Old Russian “mansions”, “temple”) – architectural structure(building) intended for worship and religious ceremonies. A Christian temple is also called a "church".

The cathedral is usually called main church city or monastery. Although local tradition may not adhere too strictly to this rule. So, for example, in St. Petersburg there are three cathedrals: St. Isaac's, Kazan and Smolny (not counting the cathedrals of city monasteries), and in the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra there are two cathedrals: Assumption and Trinity. The church where the chair of the ruling bishop (bishop) is located is called a cathedral. In an Orthodox church, there must be an altar section, where the Throne is located, and a meal - a room for worshipers.

In the altar part of the temple, on the Throne, the sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated. In Orthodoxy, a chapel is usually called a small building (structure) intended for prayer. As a rule, chapels are erected in memory of events that are important to the heart of a believer. The difference between a chapel and a temple is that the chapel does not have a Throne and the Liturgy is not celebrated there.

The word Cathedral comes from the Old Slavonic words: congress, assembly. This is usually the name of the main temple in a city or monastery. The cathedral is designed for daily services to God by at least three priests. The services of the highest clergy are held here: the patriarch, archbishop, bishop. The significant size of the cathedral allows you to gather in one place a large number parishioners and clergy. Although the cathedral may not differ significantly in area from an ordinary parish church, it should be designed for the fact that mainly festive services will be performed by clergy from the church staff.

Ideally, there should be 12 priests in addition to the rector - the image of Christ and the 12 Apostles. Cathedrals have their own gradation: monastic, cathedral. The church where the chair of the ruling bishop or bishop is located is called a cathedral. In cathedrals there are numerous clergy, in the main churches of the diocese, where the bishop's see is located, which is a permanent elevation in the center of the temple, where the bishop stands conducting services.

The word Temple comes from the Old Russian words: “mansions”, “temple”. A temple is an architectural building or structure intended for worship and religious ceremonies - worship. A Christian temple is called a church. In an Orthodox church, there must be an altar section, where the Throne is located, and a meal - a room for worshipers. In the altar part of the temple, on the Throne, the sacrament of the Eucharist, a bloodless sacrifice, is performed.

In parish churches and in city churches, it is mandatory to have an external pulpit, usually a wooden square platform, specifically for the occasion of the bishop’s service. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that often Cathedral The 2nd diocesan city may be quite small in size, rarely visited by the bishop, which together does not make it necessary to constantly have the department in the center of the church, and there are 2-3 priests there at best.

In mainly monastery, where monastic inhabitants often have holy orders, especially those occupying key positions - dean, ecclesiarch, sacristan and others, as a rule, there is always a cathedral church. Ekklesia - common name people's assembly V Ancient Greece. This term is often found in the Greek Old Testament to refer to the gathering of the chosen people before God. Especially when we're talking about of the meeting at Mount Sinai where Israel received the tablets of the law and was established by God as His holy people. Calling itself "Ekklesia", the first community of believers in Christ recognizes itself as the heir of this congregation. In it, God “calls” his people from all over the world. The term "Kyriake", from which "Kirche", "Church" and the Russian word Church come.

The word “church” comes from a Greek word and translated means the house of the Lord, God’s house. Churches have at least an altar part oriented to the east and an adjacent room for worshipers - a refectory. There are churches with a complex of interconnected spaces: Chapel and Chapel, Crypt and Refectory. Lutheran churches are called kirks or churches, Polish Catholic churches- churches.

According to another version, the status of the church is determined by the side-chapel - a dome with a cross. The temple has three or five, seven or 11, 12, or even 13 domes, respectively, side chapels. There is usually one priest in a church and he can serve only one liturgy. Even a second priest in the same chapel cannot serve the next liturgy on the same day. In churches where there are several chapels, you can serve as many liturgies per day as there are chapels, but by different priests. In addition, a church in which there are shrines can be called a cathedral. This, according to some opinions, is considered the main difference between a temple and a church and a cathedral.

In Orthodoxy, a chapel is a relatively small structure, building or structure, assigned or subordinate to any city or rural church and intended for prayers. The chapel may be dedicated to a saint; Christian holiday; a memorable event that is important to the heart of a believer. The chapel does not have an altar, but services may be held in or around it, but relatively infrequently. There are no chapels or altar in the chapel, and the Liturgy is not served.

Let's summarize. The main difference between a cathedral and a church and a temple is a special status, once assigned to a church building due to some special situation, usually this is the main temple settlement or monastery. The status of the Council is not subject to revision. It makes no difference that when a bishop's chair is moved to another church, he is given the title of Cathedral. Divine services are performed by a cathedral (gathering) of clergy, the staff consists of several priests.
The main difference between a temple and a church is the presence of an altar or altar in the temple.

In Christianity, a bloodless sacrifice, the Eucharist, was performed on the altar. The meaning of temple architecture is broader than religious ideas and ritual functions. The decorative decoration and architecture of the temple reveals the idea of the universe and is a place ceremonies and public meetings. Temple buildings are usually located in iconic and key points of the city; they give a distinctive architectural appearance and help strengthen beliefs.

Archpriest Alexander Ilyashenko

If we say “go to church” or “go to temple”, then nothing. This is the name of the same thing - the building where services are held. However, the word “church” has a much deeper and broader meaning.

How is a temple different from a church if it is “about buildings”?

So, if we mean the architectural structure where the services are held, then they are no different: the temple is the church, and the church is the temple. Perhaps the word “church” is a slightly more “everyday” definition.

Although sometimes a temple can be so old or the people (city or village) have such a reverent attitude towards it that it is impossible to call it a “church”. Even if it is very small - like this one in Moscow, near the Rizhskaya metro station.

The Temple of the Martyr Tryphon in Naprudny (metro Rizhskaya, Trifonovskaya St.) is one of the oldest churches in Moscow. XV century.

However, people who are more immersed in church life, prefer to always separate these two concepts for themselves.

The temple is precisely about architecture. And the Church is about the Church as a whole, as a universal union of believers and saints at all times.

What is the Church?

Initially, the word “Church” meant everything that includes Christianity on earth and in Heaven. This is the unification in eternity of all the saints and ascetics who have ever lived, their prayers, all services and religious sacraments - their unification in Christ. They also say this: “The Church is the body of Christ.”

Icon of All Saints from the ages who have pleased God (part of it). In a sense, this is an image of the entire Church.

In addition, the Church is simply called a union of believers. And it doesn’t matter how many people this association includes - a million or a thousand. As an example, the Russian Orthodox Church, which is part of the Orthodox Church in general. Or some other Churches - whether they are true believers or not. Roughly speaking, having invented your own personal teaching, and having only one follower, you can also call all this a church.

With the expression “I go to Orthodox Church“We say that we are Orthodox, not . Perhaps the phrase “go to church” and not “go to temple” comes from this too - the expression seems to have “shallowed up”.

Church of Mikhail Tverskoy and Anna Kashinskaya in Konakovo, Tver region. An example of how a building that was not a temple before was converted into a temple.

What is the difference between a cathedral and a temple?

And this is a question of size. There is no clear definition here, but essentially a cathedral is a large temple. As a rule, it is so large that it has not one, but several altars, and it can accommodate many more parishioners than an ordinary rural or city church.

Therefore, a cathedral refers to and is the name given to large temples, which on major holidays unite believers who appear in “ common days"Parishioners of other churches.

For example, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is fully a cathedral, although “officially” it is usually called a temple.

Or in monasteries, the cathedral can be a central large church, where on Sundays all the monks gather for services, while on weekdays services can be held in another or simultaneously in several other monastic churches - smaller ones.

Smolny Cathedral in the name of the Resurrection of Christ in St. Petersburg.

The most famous cathedrals of Moscow, photo

1. Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Kropotkinskaya metro station " Generally one of the largest, most spacious and tall Orthodox churches in the world.

2. St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square. One of the tourist symbols of the city. Inside there are 11 altars (usually five is considered too many).

3. Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. It was built at the end of the 15th century and until the revolution it was the main, “cathedral” cathedral of the country (B Soviet time it became the Yelokhovsky Cathedral, and now it is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior).

4. Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhov, metro station "Baumanskaya" " 17th century From 1917 to 1991 - the main temple of the country.

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