Eastern Catholic Churches are autonomous, often national, Churches in full communion with the Bishop of Rome. They preserve the liturgical traditions of the various Eastern Christian Churches with which they are associated.
Livorno had three churches dedicated to these communities: we have already seen “San Gregorio Illuminatore” in “Half a Church”, whose facade is still owned by the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Cilicia. “Nostra Signora del Rosario”, the church of the Maronite community, was completely destroyed in the last war.
We are now inside the last standing of these churches, already seen in “United Greeks”. In Eastern Christianity an iconostasis is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary.
This iconostasis, painstakingly restored after the war, now shines under this ornate ceiling. The history of the church until its last Archimandrite, Mons. Prof. Giuseppe Scialhub (1860-1948), is descibed on a modest plaque at the entrance of the building.See also: United Greeks
Those icons are gorgeous and that ceiling!
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's quite sumptuous!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! This church does indeed look very Byzantine, apart from the plain white walls.
ReplyDeleteAdorable ceiling! This church is very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
The golden ceiling and iconostasis with its crucifix and row of saints (?) are so ornate and fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI might actually have a hard time praying in such a church — I'd be too distracted.
Really spectacular to behold. So much effort went into it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for bringing us inside and giving us this intimate tour. I, too, would find it difficult to concentrate on a service with so much to look at.
ReplyDeleteThose Greeks must have been rich!
ReplyDeleteIncredible. I've always thought it fascinating how the nave is separated from the sanctuary in Eastern churches.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, VP, of a gorgeous building!
Oh, this is just beautiful. That ceiling is amazing! Thanks for showing us the interior! It is so gorgeous. Maybe one does not feel the urge to fall asleep during the services since there is so much to look at!
ReplyDeleteInteresting story, I have been to an Greek Catholic service ones. I remember that the chants were very beautifull. You have placed more posts on this church. Is it in the street where you live?
ReplyDeleteThere is so much beautiful art in these churches - they feel very theatrical. Thanks so much for the views inside! By the way, you're right, my text was confusing on the Astoria post of the City Hall reflected in the bank window. I re-wrote it to clarify. Someone else got confused also. I'm also sleepy today, so we'll see what happens when I do today's post :) Zzzzzzzzz.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. It's really nice to see the inside. I've never been in one before.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are really great!
There you go - that is Greek - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe ceiling looks like in some palace! Wonderful! Great photos! Beautiful inside!
ReplyDeleteHilda does have a point, all the beauty could be sort of distracting. But also helping us filter out any concerns about life outside these walls for a while. I particularly like the first shot, amazing detail in that one.
ReplyDeleteWell done.
Always great to see history restored
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful. I love the last photo of the gilded details.
ReplyDeleteHeavenly, gorgeous Greek church! It's like a jewelry box inside! Gasp! Wish I could attend worship there once!
ReplyDeleteGreat detail shots! The interiors are fantastic!
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