Reasonable adjustments

[Paidiske]

That is a beautiful chapel! It's an interesting setup. The seating (pews?) run two deep along the sides, facing the aisle?

That's a classic set up for college (and monastic) chapels. It is designed for antiphonal singing of the psalms, in particular.

Here's a picture of my college chapel (nowhere near as grand, but with a similar set up):

 

[~Anastasia~]

That's a classic set up for college (and monastic) chapels. It is designed for antiphonal singing of the psalms, in particular.

Here's a picture of my college chapel (nowhere near as grand, but with a similar set up):

Interesting.

I have never seen anything like these.

 

[Paidiske]

But the Orthodox don't have pews or chairs at all, do they? So it's a completely different set of sensibilities...

 

[~Anastasia~]

But the Orthodox don't have pews or chairs at all, do they? So it's a completely different set of sensibilities...

Some parishes do. Well, they all do in fact, but some only have a few seats along the walls usually, for those who need to sit. Very often a lot happens that is more impeded by having pews. (Lenten services in GOA parishes involve some tricky maneuvering with all the bowing and prostrations and pews get in the way. )

To be honest, what surprises me though, is the people facing each other. Whether we have pews or not, we are usually focused on the altar, except during the Great Entrance when we turn to face the Gifts which will be consecrated as the Eucharist when they are carried to the back (the Triumphal Entry) and then up the center (the path to Golgatha) during the Divine Liturgy. I didn't want to be rude, but I can't imagine not facing the altar - even the priest faces the altar during much of the service, along with the people.

I realize we have differences in our services. It's just difficult for me to imagine facing another row of people all during the service. I keep imagining everyone's neck craning to see up to the altar.

 

[Paidiske]

Ah - but you have to realise that these chapels are not designed primarily for the Eucharist.

The backbone of the worshipping life of these places is the daily office; morning and evening prayer. Historically, these services would have happened every day, year round. The focus there is on hearing Scripture read (and preached on), and on the saying or singing together of the psalms and other canticles.

The Eucharist would not happen every day in most of these chapels, and historically, at times, might have happened as infrequently as four times a year. So yes, you're right, the chapel I posted a picture of is actually awkward for Eucharistic celebrations. But even though we did have daily Eucharist during semester when I was there, that's not what the chapel was actually designed for, as its primary act of worship.

 

[Catherineanne]

That's a classic set up for college (and monastic) chapels. It is designed for antiphonal singing of the psalms, in particular.

Here's a picture of my college chapel (nowhere near as grand, but with a similar set up):

That is beautiful as well. Sometimes less is more.

 

[Paidiske]

I sat in it regularly for six years and have a fondness for it, although in truth there are things I did not like. Certainly some heating would go a long way to making praying in it more bearable!

 

[~Anastasia~]

Ah - but you have to realise that these chapels are not designed primarily for the Eucharist.

The backbone of the worshipping life of these places is the daily office; morning and evening prayer. Historically, these services would have happened every day, year round. The focus there is on hearing Scripture read (and preached on), and on the saying or singing together of the psalms and other canticles.

The Eucharist would not happen every day in most of these chapels, and historically, at times, might have happened as infrequently as four times a year. So yes, you're right, the chapel I posted a picture of is actually awkward for Eucharistic celebrations. But even though we did have daily Eucharist during semester when I was there, that's not what the chapel was actually designed for, as its primary act of worship.

That makes more sense then. I wondered about that. Thanks!

 

[Catherineanne]

Update; the car has had its service, and a new boiler has been fitted to my house, so this winter should be more comfortable than for a long time. The workmen were a nightmare for three days, but at least it is done now.

Mum continues well for now.

And I have been painting, which is usually a good sign. I can't paint when there is too much stress around.

 

[Paidiske]

Catherineanne, those are lovely! Do you paint just for yourself, or do you sell your work?

 

[~Anastasia~]

Very nice! I'm glad things are going better for you, and glad your mother is doing well too. You are both in my prayers.

 

[Catherineanne]

Catherineanne, those are lovely! Do you paint just for yourself, or do you sell your work?

I want to sell them, because I can't live very easily on fresh air, and have not been able to work for many years. But putting a price on them is proving a challenge. In the meantime I just keep painting.

I have given many away over the years; there is even one in Australia; St Pauls, Maryland. Several in the US, most in the UK.

More pictures here: https://iconismus.wordpress.com/

 

[Catherineanne]

Very nice! I'm glad things are going better for you, and glad your mother is doing well too. You are both in my prayers.

Thank you, Anastasia. I very much appreciate that. xxx

 

[Paidiske]

Do you do any work on commission? Not that I need something right now, but it's always good to have a contact or two up one's sleeve...

 

[Catherineanne]

Do you do any work on commission? Not that I need something right now, but it's always good to have a contact or two up one's sleeve...

Certainly. That is not a problem; I have painted several commissions already.

 

[seeking.IAM]

Very nice work, Catherineanne.

 

[Catherineanne]

Very nice work, Catherineanne.

Thank you. I very much appreciate the encouragement.

 

[seeking.IAM]

Thank you. I very much appreciate the encouragement.

Perhaps you underestimate your ability. I can draw stick figures!

 

[Catherineanne]

Perhaps you underestimate your ability. I can draw stick figures!

I just think that if I can do it, anyone can; it is a matter of application. I don't exactly start with stick figures, but close.

 

[Paidiske]

I dabble a bit with zentangle, but while it might be true that with adequate teaching and practice I could produce "real art" I am a long way from having attained such skill.

Mind you, I tell other people the same thing about singing. There's no such thing as a "bad singer," just someone who has not learned.