Since I didn’t post any images of the actual Christmas celebration inside the Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, I thought it would be interesting to show the moment when the blessing of the water occurs on the altar. It is a very moving moment, entirely wrapped in a fog of incense and chants.

In a previous post on the history of St. Sophia Cathedral, I mentioned that congregation was first housed in a small church in what is today the Garment District in downtown Los Angeles. Yesterday through the kindness of the cathedral, I was able to scan some of their archival photos, so I can share a couple with you.

Annunciation Church was located at 1216 San Julian St. It was dedicated in 1912 and was in use until 1952, when St. Sophia Cathedral became the new home for this pioneering Greek Orthodox congregation.

First it’s very appropriate that we view the interior of the old church in the context of a wedding. Francesco’s last post of photos from St. Sophia depicted a wedding, so now we can connect that event to this wedding photo inside Annunciation Church sometime around 1947. What a beautiful reminder of the continuity of faith to see the same liturgy being celebrated decades apart and in such different settings.

Wedding in Annunciation Church circa 1947

Exterior of Annunciation Church

Thanks once again to the ever-helpful Jimmy Karatsikis, the cathedral staff and Fr. Bill Tragus for their hospitality.

These are are few images depicted during a wedding ceremony inside the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Los Angeles. Hope you’ll enjoy them!

Here are some more photos of Hagia Sophia by fellow pilgrim Fred Miller from our recent visit to Istanbul. The first is an ambo from one of the predecessor churches, located outside the main entrance. This is a wonderful example of a classical ambo characteristic of early Christian churches, with two sets of steps leading to an elevated platform where the deacon would proclaim the Gospel. I think it offers a wonderful prototype ripe for revival by modern churches as it is so well suited to the movement of procession.

Early ambo outside Hagia Sophia

Upon entering the narthex of the church, one is struck by the beautifully preserved bronze Imperial Door. The emperor had a role in the Byzantine liturgy, which was unconstricted by our modern notions of the separation of church and state. Much of the early liturgies celebrated in Hagia Sophia were influenced the Byzantine imperial court, and these liturgies in turn helped to form our Christian liturgies, especially in the case of the four major processions of the liturgy (gospel, offertory, communion and recession).

Imperial Door of Hagia Sophia

Finally, this view of the interior of Hagia Sophia gives some idea of the splendor of the church. No wonder that Justinian, upon entering the church for its dedication, was said to have proclaimed, “Solomon, I have outdone you!”

Here, the Orthodox concept of liturgy as making heaven present upon the earth was manifested in a most spectacular way. And the Roman concept of the triumph of Christianity over the former pagan state religion was emphasized by Justinian’s incorporation of the columns of the Temple of Diana at Ephesus — one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world — as a minor detail in one corner of his temple. The large medaillion dates from the building’s conversion to a mosque and is a calligraphic representation of the name of Muhammad (peace by upon him) and the mosaic of the Theotokos as Seat of Wisdom above the apse is visible to the right.

Interior of Hagia Sophia

I pulled this photo out of a previous post by Francesco to offer some reflections on it. I think it is probably one of the finest Francesco has shot so far. This photo represents the power and promise of baptism, by which all the baptized are called to change the world.

This photo is a magnificent depiction of the celebration of baptism. Following the Second Vatican Council, baptism by immersion is now the preferred form of baptism in the Roman Catholic Church, as it has been in the Eastern Churches for centuries. This is something not many people realize, as most parishes continue to do baptism by pouring water on the head, except for adults at the Easter Vigil, where immersion is more common.

“Are you not aware,” St. Paul asks us, “that you who were baptized in Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” Baptism by immersion is a fuller sign of this fact: as we are immersed in the water, we die to the world, and as we come up out of the water we rise with Christ. Every baptism is a sign of the Resurrection.

Look at how the parents and godparents are down in the water with the child, and the lovely radiating effect of their arms around the child, like rays of the sun. See how the water glistens with light: “Put on the armour of Christ, and be children of the light!”

As we witness the true wonder of immersion baptisms, we will gradually realize the power of this ancient rite, and turn away from the minimalism of pouring a few drops on the head. Glory in the wonder of baptism, and immerse yourself in its dignity and duty.

“You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) The Cathedral of St. James in Seattle has this inscription around its immersion font, and there is probably no more wonderful description of the dignity of baptism. This photo really captures that spirit.

When first approaching the Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in the heart of the recently renewed district of Downtown Los Angeles, it is stunning to see the imposing force of the structure.

The massive volume of it reminds us of the power of the Church in the community. Spanish architect, Professor José Rafael Moneo has designed a dynamic, contemporary Cathedral of which geometry contributes to the structure’s feeling of mystery and majesty. Although the inside displays this contemporary style, I noticed a relationship with some ancient structures which display an extensive knowledge of geometry. The absence of stained glasses (and consequently the presence of natural light) helps the human eye observe the rigid lines that create a puzzle of spaces, chapels, stairs and angles. Nothing seems to be curving, bending or rotating. 

Included below is a photograph of a baptism that took place in the Cathedral. Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik is clearly visible while lifting the child along with some family members. It was very impressive to be able to see a full immersion baptism, which is still unusual in the Catholic Church. The baptismal font is an octagon with a cross shape inside.

Msgr. Kostelnik and child’s family members performing the baptism

Below is a photograph of Saint Vibiana’s tomb located in the homonymous chapel underneath the cathedral. The saint is known to be a Roman female martyr who according to legend was the daughter of a former prefect, Flavianus. She died after being tortured.

Tomb of Saint Vibiana

As you can see, the space where the sarcophagus is placed is bathed in light from above, which produces a very spiritual environment where the “underground” meets the “heavens”.

Above is the view of the window and lamps within the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  The lamps are from the Cathedral of St. Vibiana.

Above is a dramatically angled photograph taken from the foot of the altar cross. 

Last Saturday I was very pleased to be introduced to what – to my eye – appeared to be one of the most impressive examples of religious architecture in Los Angeles. 

St. John’s Episcopal Church is a mix of Romanesque style and Byzantine elements (which can easily recall Ravenna’s mosaics). The richness of the decorations inside the structure was a great source of inspiration for me, starting from the magnificent red-tinted cross floating above the altar, to the lateral golden chapel portraying a Medieval Virgin Mary.

Interior of the church, overall view

Anglican-Armenian Solemn Vespers Service, in a haze of incense

Archbishop Derderian (foreground) and Bishop Bruno incense the cross

Lighting of the candles at the beginning of the ceremony 

I couldn’t have been more intrigued by all the “games of light” that take place in the church: they certainly contribute to creating a very mystical atmosphere that ranges from very dark corners to extremely lit wall sections. These variations are very visible in some images I will later post on this blog.

Bishop Jon Bruno preaches to the assembly

Today Francesco, Jim and I were able to do a photo shoot at St. John’s Episcopal Church in the West Adams/North University Park District of Los Angeles (near USC). We received a tip that that this beautiful and historic church, dedicated in 1924, will soon be named the pro-cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. We don’t feel we’re spilling any beans here, as Episcopal Bishop Jon Bruno referenced this fact publicly in his sermon there tonight at solemn vespers in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

(The Roman Catholic Archdiocese also commemorated the Armenian anniversary at a solemn vespers service jointly presided over by Cardinal Roger Mahony and the Armenian primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian a few weeks ago at St. James the Less Church in La Crescenta, which I also attended, flanked by Roman and Armenian deacons. There the Armenian primate made a gift of a hand-carved wooden crosier in the Armenian style to Cardinal Mahony, which Derderian jokingly said was made to the primate’s height, somewhat less that Mahony’s towering stature.)

We spent the afternoon taking many photos of the lovely Italian Romanesque interior of the soon-to-be pro-cathedral. And in the evening, we were blessed to participate in the solemn vespers service, jointly presided over by Bishop Bruno and Archbishop Derderian of the Armenian diocese. The service commemorated the Triumph of the Cross, a feast celebrated by both the Eastern and Western Churches on September 14.

During the service, Archbishop Derderian made a gift of a traditional Armenian khachkar, or stone cross, carved especially for the Episcopal Diocese (as well as an Armenian pectoral cross which Bishop Bruno immediately wore, and hand-written icons for suffragan bishops Chester Talton and Sergio Carranza). The service was attended by clergy and laity of both traditions, and music from both Armenian and Episcopal choirs made for a very prayerful experience. I was pleased to run into my friend Matthew Ash of the Armenian diocese, who has been ordained a deacon! Blessings to Matt on his new ministry. Another familiar face was Fr. Rick Byrum of Holy Trinity and St. Benedict Episcopal Church in Alhambra, who will be my roomie on our upcoming interfaith pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The entire day was wonderful, and we owe special thanks to Canon Mark Kowalewski, rector of St. John’s; Fr. Dan Ade, senior associate of St. John’s; and of course my good friend Dr. Gwynne Guibord, ecumenical and interfaith officer of the Episcopal diocese, for their gracious hospitality.

Look for Francesco to post some amazing photos of this day shortly.