The Apsis – a Relic From the Past?

More Theology in Architecture:

The Circular Construction,

In history of art and architecture, we may read about the form development of the Christian sacred space. We see connections in types of buildings like pagan temples, public halls, which are samples from Greek and Roman contemporary architecture. Some structures may also have been re-defined and reshaped to meet the needs of a congregation. Some of the early house churches may serve as examples of this.

         It is common to think of the circular churches built during the reign of Roman emperor Constantine as the beginning of Christian church architecture. Prior to this there were some monastery structures, often in remote areas, like the communities of hermits in Wadi el-Natrun in Egypt.

In choosing a style for a building, there are certain ideological/theological considerations which are useful, even necessary. There are, furthermore, the practical aspects: how is it used, how is the worship carried out?

         Today I would like to focus on the circular church structure, and we know some traditions that have grown out of this.

Church of the Holy Sepulcre

One natural point of departure is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It is one of the earliest church complexes we have, with the central element in the empty tomb of Jesus. It is also called the Church of the Resurrection by Orthodox Christians.

             

The earliest part of this complex was built around 325/326 AD by a decree from Constantine.

The rotunda was built as a mausoleum, and it was to mark the spot for pilgrims who wanted to connect with the earthly reality of God’s incarnation, Jesus. A rotunda is not a new concept, not something that was original and informed only by the Christian faith; it was a prototype of a sacred building. In Greek religious architecture we have the rotunda, for instance in the Pantheon.

There is no revelation in the New Testament about what the place of worship should look like, unlike the detailed descriptions we find in the Old Testament. That is because the nature of the worship is different, with a new revelation of God at its core. Jesus is central as the focus of worship, because He is the revelation of God by which all connection with God is found.

 

cross section of the complex

         The shape of the place for the pilgrimage has the contemporary form of a religious building, but it also serves the function of and ambulatory, for processions, for equal opportunity for coming close, for adoration.  

        

I must admit that have visited this church in my youth, not at all ready for the experience. It was during Easter. There was a throng of people wanting to get in. The priests or monks stood like a living fence between people entering and people exiting. Inside I was spooked. There were small niches with candles in dark alcoves, a myriad of strange images, potent and obnoxious smells, sounds of muffled chaos. I don’t know where I went, since I lost my sense of direction, but I revolted and strived to exit as fast as possible. And that was not very fast. Coming out into fresh air, I remember taking some deep breaths, vowing not to enter that place again. It felt oppressive and confusing.

         What did I expect?

Ideological/theological considerations: What does it signal to the social environment?

As a matter of fact, there most likely was a pagan temple already in place on the site, built by Hadrian, in order to hide the spot tradition said the empty grave of Jesus was located.  To replace the former pagan temple with a clearly defined a Christian building, a memorial for pilgrims, gives a strong message to the people in the area, but also politically, since this was done by the Emperor’s decree. 

What does it signal to the followers?

What is the theological significance of the circular church layout?

First and foremost the shape was practical: the symbols of veneration was under roof, it was accessible, protected. According to tradition, the site itself was carved out, since the gravesite was in a mountain. The empty tomb becomes the central focus of the pilgrim site. There is room to go around it, to contemplate it, to physically revere it as central.

The circular structure was not a church as such, but there was a church in connection with it, with a basilica shaped worship hall.

What is interesting is to seek to see a connection to our own church structures. Whether they have an elongated basilica, a simple rectangular shape, or a cruciform shape of any sort, there is normally an apse in the east wing, where the main altar is located.

This is often the focal point in the church, and it is where the Eucharist is served. But why is there an apse – a semicircle? It is like an alcove, with a half-dome over it. Is it indicating that there is another part of the circle on the front, that what we have is truly a martyrium, and the central part is the altar, symbolizing the empty tomb of Jesus? We come, as pilgrims. On occasion we go around the altar to give our offering…