What is the name of the temple. Temple and church: what is the difference between Orthodox traditions

Word The cathedral comes from the Old Slavonic words: congress, assembly. This is usually the name of the main temple in the city or monastery. The cathedral is designed for the daily service of God by at least three priests. Divine services of higher clergy are also held here: the patriarch, the archbishop, the bishop. The significant size of the cathedral allows you to gather in one place a large number parishioners and clergy. Although the area of ​​the cathedral may not differ significantly from the usual parish church, it should be designed for the fact that mainly festive services will be performed by the clergy from the staff of the temple. 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. There are numerous clergy in cathedrals, in the main churches of the diocese, where the episcopal chair is located, which is a permanent elevation in the center of the church, where the bishop stands, conducting services.

Word Temple comes from the old Russian words: “mansions”, “chramina”. The temple is an architectural building or structure intended for the performance of worship and religious rites - the administration of a religious cult. A Christian temple is called a church. In an Orthodox church, an altar part, where the Throne is located, and a meal - a room for worshipers - are necessarily distinguished. In the altar part of the temple, on the Throne, the sacrament of the Eucharist is performed - a bloodless sacrifice. In each particular religion, the Temple has a special name: in Christianity, the temple is called a cathedral, a church, a church; in Islam - a mosque; in Judaism, the synagogue. The building of the Temple as a place of communication between people and God in any religion is polysemantic - it expresses spatial expression. In Christianity and Buddhism, this is a spatial reduced model of the Universe, oriented to the cardinal points.

In parish churches, in urban - in without fail, there is a remote pulpit - usually a wooden square platform just in case the bishop serves. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that often the cathedral church of the 2nd diocesan city can be quite small in size, rarely visited by the bishop, which together does not make it necessary to constantly stay in the center of the temple of the department, and there are 2-3 priests at best.

In the main monastery, where monks often have holy orders, especially those who hold key positions - dean, ecclesiarch, sacristy, and others, as a rule, there is always a cathedral church. Ekklesia is a common name for a popular assembly in 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 it comes to the meeting at Mount Sinai, where Israel received the tablets of the law and was established by God as His holy people. Calling themselves "Ekklesia", the first community of believers in Christ recognizes itself as the heir to this assembly. In it, God "calls" his people from all over the world. The term "Kyriake", from which "Kirche", "Church" and Russian word Church.

Perhaps there is no such capital city where there would be no cathedral. Majestic buildings with domes, golden crosses and the smell of incense attract the attention of tourists and act as a spiritual haven for believers.

Many people mistakenly think that the cathedral is the same church, but in fact there are quite a few differences between these religious buildings. What is a cathedral? And what distinguishes it from the church?

What does the word "cathedral" mean?

If you look into Dahl's explanatory dictionary, you can see that the term "the cathedral" came to us from the Old Slavonic language. The ancient Slavs understood the word "sobor" as a meeting or congress at which all kinds of church issues were resolved.

Ecumenical, local and episcopal councils are well known in history, where representatives of the clergy with the highest authority in the doctrines took part. Over time, the cathedral began to be called the buildings where such meetings were held.

What is a cathedral?

In the modern sense, a cathedral is the main church building of a city or a monastery complex. Divine services in it can only be held by high clergy - archbishops, metropolitans, bishops.

The building receives this status from the ruling bishop, and often cathedrals are initially built as churches, and only with time become the main temples. The received status is not subject to revision, that is, even if the bishop moves to another building, the former building still remains a cathedral.


In most cases, cathedrals are built large so that they can accommodate as many parishioners as possible. However, in its size it may not differ from the church, but the services in it are conducted by the priests of several churches.

It is generally accepted that the staff of the rector and 12 clergymen (according to the number of apostles) is optimal, but in practice in most cathedrals, especially Catholic ones, even on holidays there is only one clergyman.

What is a cathedral?

A cathedral is a religious building that has (or used to have) a pulpit. The term pulpit comes from the Latin cathedra and means "throne, armchair" in which the bishop sits. This place is considered the most honorable in the building and is set up near the eastern altar wall.

In Catholicism, it is customary to install the pulpit behind the altar - in the center or front of the presbytery, and in Anglican religious buildings - according to left side from the altar.


Episcopal thrones first appeared in early Christian churches. Their location was always correlated with the Gospel of John and implied imitation of the Lord and the 24 elders sitting next to him.

Chairs for ordinary priests were placed on both sides of the pulpit, as a result of which the bishop in the center symbolically depicted Jesus, and his assistants, respectively, the elders.

In addition to cathedrals, there are so-cathedrals, where there is another pulpit, and pro-cathedrals, which temporarily act as the main temple. In general, there are not so many cathedrals, so they are all well known.

For example, in Moscow, St. Basil's Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior have such a status, in Paris - Notre Dame de Paris, in the capital of Germany - the Berlin Cathedral.

How is a cathedral different from a church?

A church is a religious building intended for religious ceremonies and prayers of parishioners. The main difference between a cathedral and a church is that it has a special status, which is assigned by virtue of its position - the main temple or the meeting place of the bishop. Another difference is the presence of the pulpit - the cathedral may or may not have an episcopal throne, while it is never established.


The size of a cathedral and a church can be the same, but most often they try to build very large cathedrals - with enough space for visitors, the installation of choirs, a pulpit and church utensils.

In the 11th century in Russia, 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 as a reliable protection against enemy invasions, cells were located inside the walls, and in the center there was a place for a temple, in the eastern part of which there is an altar with an altar and a throne. From the west, a vestibule adjoined the temple - there the unbaptized could listen to the liturgy. All churches were consecrated by bishops with a special rank 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 strongly beating hearts under their overcoats, which gave the fighters 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 reigns and no matter what happens. All Orthodox sacredly honor traditions, observe fasting, attend temples. Someone says "church", "parish", "chapel" ... What is the difference between a temple and a church - let's try to figure it out!

General concepts

Speaking of "church" and "temple", referring directly to the buildings where religious rites, cults and traditional religious activities are performed, we can put an equal sign between these concepts. However, it must be understood that the temple is general concept places of worship, regardless of denomination. Only a Christian temple is called a church, just like an Islamic mosque, a synagogue in Judaism, and so on. In a word, the temple is a collective concept, the church is narrower, limited by the framework of Christianity - this is the main difference between the temple and the church.

temples

In fact, the church-temple-chapel is one and the same, but the 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 any religion, for example, an ancient Greek or Buddhist temple. And there is no such type of building as a temple. In addition, the word "temple" has a certain sublime meaning (church - God's temple), calling the church that way, they want to give it more respect.

Orthodox churches

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

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

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

Cathedrals

The cathedral is a special status of the church, assigned by the Patriarch due to some special position. For example, a cathedral church where the ruling bishop conducts services automatically acquires the status of a cathedral, just like main church locality. It is interesting 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 affect the appearance and structure of the sacred building. Once a church has been given the status of a cathedral, it remains with it forever.

chapels

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

In this material, we will consider 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 were created: a temple, a church, a cathedral, a monastery, a church, a mosque and a chapel. What is the difference? What is each object?

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

The most common term is temple.

• A temple can be called any religious building of any direction. For example, a Muslim mosque, a Catholic church, a cathedral. The word "temple" is a Church Slavonic concept, which was formed thanks to the word "mansions".
• Previously, people used this name for huge, spacious buildings. From here such a thing as "royal mansions" also arose.

Cathedral, church, and chapel are the terms that are used for Christian temples.

• The term "Cathedral" also has Slavic origin. Just listen to how it sounds "collect" or "gather". In Russia, people also called a meeting or congress a council, when church representatives and representatives of other organizations gathered.
• The cathedral is a large temple. Also, people used to call a temple located on the territory of the city a cathedral.

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

• The chapel had a bell ringing after 1 hour
• "Hour" - a kind of service, when prayers were read simultaneously with the psalms. These readings were called "hours".

How the term "church" originated, no one can say for sure. The church is very similar to the 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 the chosen people, for the chosen ones. Therefore, the 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 is a meal with a throne (the room in which the worshiper is). On the throne, the sacraments of communion, bloodless sacrifice are performed.

So, we list the main differences between the temple and the church:

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

How to speak correctly, call it: a church or a temple?

Which term is considered more correct: the church or the 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 a temple. But if the believers - then it is better to say the church. However, in any case, the name will be correct.

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

The temple is a religious building. In temples, as a rule, rituals are held. Temples are located all over the world, but they are called differently. For example, the temple among the Hindus is a synagogue, among Muslims the temple is called a mosque.

Cathedral - the main city temple, which plays leading role in the religious life of every person. In addition, the cathedral is the main church, which is located in the monastery.

The cathedral and the temple have the following distinctive features:

• The temple is every religious building in which worship is carried out. The cathedral is the main temple in the village or in the monastery.
• As for the liturgy, it can be held in the temple both every day and exclusively on Sundays. But in the cathedral the liturgy is held every day.
• Only the highest ranks conduct worship in cathedrals.
• The cathedral from the side looks more massive, 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 celebrate religious rites and worship
• The cathedral, as mentioned above, is a religious building located either on the territory of the city or on the territory of the monastery
• 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. Therefore, there is only one service 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 plot of land. The monastery is a very beautiful building in appearance. It is powerful, high enough, can be located on a large territory.
• Sex difference. The church is attended by both men and women. The 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 the head of the church. Either nuns or priests can serve in the monastery.
• Accommodation. In the monastery, people live as in a permanent place of residence. You can only pray in the church, and therefore it is forbidden for citizens who come to live 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 (kostel) differs significantly from the Orthodox Church. Consider the most basic:

• Appearance. Orthodox Church has domes, the number of which carries a 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 the main nave. At the end of the main nave is an altar. Large churches have very large rooms. In them, as a rule, organs are used that give the service greater solemnity. Churches are decorated inside with frescoes, and churches - with icons. The place where the altar is located in the Orthodox Church is separated from the territory by the solea. Here is the iconostasis. The icons are still on the walls of the main building 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 holidays are held, as well as tired travelers spend the night.

Also, these buildings differ in the following indicators:

• Architecture. The mosque, as a rule, has a square or round outline, resembling a palace in appearance. A minaret is always present in the mosque - this is a high tower, which from the very beginning was a lighthouse and a guard post. Also, instead of the usual cross, a crescent moon is installed in the mosque. Plus, the mosque does not have extra pieces of furniture. 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 where people pray. There is no altar in the chapel
• A church is a building that has an altar

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

• To size. The chapel is much smaller than the church.
• The church has an Altar with an antimension. It is without them that it is impossible to celebrate the liturgy. The chapel has none.

The main task of the chapel is to help every person. Consequently, chapels are often located at airports, cemeteries, hospitals, and many other places.

Video: The difference between Catholic and Orthodox churches

In the Orthodox world, the concepts of temple and church are very close, in many ways synonymous and interchangeable.

There are, however, subtle differences in them, which both believers and those who are indifferent to divine questions should be aware of. After all, religion is part of our culture. How is a temple different from a church?

Temples and churches - the main differences

The concept of "temple" exists in more than one religion: similar structures for worship and rituals can be found in many countries and cults.

They are not only Orthodox, but also, for example, Buddhist. And in ancient Egypt, and in Greece, and in Judaism, and in Protestantism there is a place for religious buildings.

The term “temple” originates from the old Russian word “mansions”, but “church” is interpreted from Greek as “house” (of course, God’s abode is meant, not human living space).

Only Christian services and rituals are held in churches, they have nothing to do with other religions.

At the same time, the concept of “church” is broader and more ambiguous. It can be not only a specific architectural structure for performing religious rites, but also a religious organization as a whole.

Compare the statements: “Today at 17-00 a service will be held in the church on the square” and “The Orthodox Church does not approve of marriages of people of the same sex.” If in the first case you can easily substitute the word "temple", then in the second it will be inappropriate.

Religious Buildings: Meanings, Functions and Differences

A temple is a place where the presence of the Lord is felt. This is a specially organized platform for worshiping God and performing rituals.

Any believer can pray here, ask for intercession, repent of their deeds, and communicate with like-minded people.

The church in the architectural sense has the same purpose and the same possibilities.

But as an organization, as a community of worshipers, it also plays the role of mentor and educator of human faith.

1. A temple is always an architectural building, while a church can be a building, a religious organization, or an association of followers of a particular cult.

2. The temple can be both Buddhist and ancient Greek, the church can only be Christian.

3. Architects see the differences between the temple and the church in the number of domes and the location on the map. Temples usually have

more than three domes and are built in the central, significant places of the city. Churches - less than three and may be on the outskirts.

4.Size matters too. People often call Temples large-scale, majestic structures that take your breath away.

Churches (and even "churches") are smaller and simpler buildings designed for small parishes.

A building of very tiny sizes is called Chapel, and the largest and main religious buildings are called Cathedrals.

5. There may be two or three altars with altars in a church, and therefore several liturgies are performed here every day.

There is only one altar in the church, and the liturgy, accordingly, is served only once a day.

So, if you mean any building where Orthodox services, then you can safely say both the Temple and the Church. Either way, you can't go wrong.

If you want to emphasize the size and architectural grandeur of a Christian building, or we are talking about a religious building of the ancient Egyptians, then say the Temple.

If you mean the whole religious organization or community of people united by religion, only the word Church will be appropriate here.