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The word "narthex" comes from the Greek
language. Literally, it means "a small case." |
Our dedication pillar is just
inside the doors. The narthex is a vestibule or small reception area
through which one passes on the way into the main part of the Church.
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"In the
Byzantine age of the Church, it was the antechamber to
the nave (main room) of the church. Catechumens,
candidates for baptism, and penitents occupied this
space until they reached or returned to full union with
the Church. This is why our Baptistery is located just
off this space. We'll go there, too, but for now, let's
explore the narthex.
The artwork in the narthex is devoted to the central act of
worship, the Mass, which has two major components: Liturgy of
the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. The stone panels at
either end of the narthex are devoted to the Liturgy of the
Word, while the artwork in the central part is dedicated to the
Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Just like we do during Mass, let's start with the Liturgy of
the Word. Can you find the stone panel carving
on the wall in the photo above? It's near the corner.
"Touch" it to get a closer look. |
