Church Building

The Story of the Orthodox Church Building

An Orthodox church building is always constructed in an east-west direction, with the altar room at the eastern end of the church. The narthex of the church symbolizes the repentant world, the nave represents the struggling congregation on earth, and the altar room signifies the rejoicing congregation and the coming world, which is the Kingdom of God, where the members of the struggling congregation are headed.

The altar room is connected to the nave by an iconostasis, a wall of icons. All Orthodox churches are strived to be built, furnished, and decorated as beautifully as possible, because the church is, as it were, a terrestrial heaven. In Valamo Monastery, this is particularly evident during church festivals, when the nave is adorned with, for example, abundant flower arrangements.

All Orthodox churches are strived to be built, furnished, and decorated as beautifully as possible, because the church is, as it were, a terrestrial heaven.

Church Bells

The bells of the Orthodox church are rung by hand for about twenty minutes before the service begins. A fifty-stroke call is followed by a final ringing that aims to indicate which service is in question.

Bells are also rung during processions, at specific points in the vigil and liturgy services, and when the bishop arrives at the church. During the Bright Week following Easter, anyone is traditionally allowed to ring the bells around the clock.

The Cross

The cross is a common symbol for all Christians. In Finland, the Orthodox Church most commonly uses the so-called Slavic cross. Its small upper crossbar represents the plaque inscribed with “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”.

The slanted footrest beneath Christ's feet is a reminder of the two robbers who were crucified with Jesus. The one on Jesus' left mocked Christ and was lost. The so-called wise robber on the right repented of his deeds and was saved. That is why one end of the slanted bar points upwards and the other downwards. For example, Greek Orthodox Christians often use a cross where all arms are of equal length. The simple Latin cross, best known to the Lutheran church, is also used in the Orthodox Church.

For Christians, the cross above a grave is a testament to faith and hope in the resurrection of the dead. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the prayerful communion between the living and the dead. Traditionally, the cross is made of wood, like Christ's cross.

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Valamo Monastery is open year-round. Services' visiting hours vary by season.

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