Liturgical space: re-discovering its theological-liturgical sense

Abstract

It is a wide-spread opinion that sacred architecture around the world,especially in Europe and Poland, is suffering a crisis. The nature of this crisis in most cases is thought to centre round the interiors of churches, both the form and elements of the liturgical space. When enquiry is made as to why there is such distaste regarding modern churches, the answer usually focusses in on the modern design of their interior, which is characterized by the dicates of what might be seen to be a functional style. This paper seeks to study the elements of both a scriptural and patristic theology which illumines the liturgy of the Word (ambo) and the liturgy of Eucharist (altar), and assists in discovering anew their significance and symbolism in creating a sacred place. The symbolism that guides this, is fashioned by both liturgical function and biblical roots which is deepened and developed through different epochs of the Church, especially patristic and medieval times. The medieval times in turn, leant towards both an allegorical interpretation and explanation rather than a symbolic one, but nonetheless, for all its limitations, this principle had a positive and fruitful influence on the sacred architecture of previous times.