A Religious ExperienceBy: Ripsime ChavchyanAnthropology 121Dr. Leanna Wolfe

The EntranceThis is the grand entrance of the Armenian Cathedral of St Leon. It is vital to the overall structure and appearance of

the Cathedral since it is everyone’s first impression. The building is made of red

bricks. There is a statue figure on each upper side of door.

The figures are presumably of St. Leon. The door is a

double-door, made of wood. This is where all the guests of

the Cathedral enter.

The Baptism of Christ

This window is made of stained glass. It is very

colorful, bright and appealing to the eye. It allows light to

fill the Cathedral while displaying an important

image. The image is a variant of the painting The Baptism of Christ by Verrocchio. The

Cathedral was filled with several different windows with stained glass. These images tell the story of St

Leon and Christianity.

The Chandelier of Crosses

This is a Chandelier in the Cathedral decorated with crosses and candle-shaped light bulbs. It was located in the middle of the church. It looks very old and antique. The crosses symbolize Christianity. They are located all around the chandelier which symbolizes how Christianity has spread all around the world. The candles represent the enlightenment and awakening that comes from the practice of Christianity. These are spread all around the Chandelier as well to signify the enlightenment that the world has received.

The Isle

The Isle is one of the most significant and well known aspects of the Cathedral. This is the lane where priests walk up and down, preaching and praying to the guests. This is also the isle where couples walk down during

weddings. This is the location of the famous phrase “walking down the isle.” This is also the isle guests walk down to leave the Cathedral. However, guests are not allowed to walk out facing the door. Guests must walk

backwards when exiting the Cathedral. This is because it is believed that facing the door is equivalent to turning one’s back on Christianity

The Stage of Prayer

This is the Stage of Prayer. This is where guests of the Cathedral go to say their prayers. There is a carpet

under the stage to comfort the guests as they drop down to

their knees in prayer. The stage has many crosses on it

to signify that Jesus is listening to all prayers. There is also an image of baby Jesus

sitting on the lap of Mary. This stage is also where

people go to ask for forgiveness.

Washing with Holy WaterThis is the station where people go to wash away all their sins and be forgiven. Priests use the water from the sink to cleanse the guests of the Cathedral. Also, when children are baptized, they are bathed in this sink. The water is meant to be very pure and therapeutic. It brings the people who touch it closer to God.

Light a Prayer

The Cathedral had a station where people can take candles and light them. The candles are implied to be a dollar, however, they money is

actually a donation. People take the candles and light them as they recite a prayer to God. For most people, this is the most important part of the visit. They pray, ask for forgiveness and seal it with the lighting of the candle. When the candle finally burns and dies out, the prayer will be

heard by God.

Benchesof Prayer

Guests of the Cathedral sit on these benches to listen to the priests preach. They quietly and patiently listen to the words of God. Whenever there is an event, these benches are filled with a crowd of people. They sing, pray and preach throughout. These benches are more meant as a

passive portion of the guests’ visit. Rather than walking, lighting candles, or washing with holy water, guests usually take this time to just sit, listen

and think.

The Holy Cross

This is the cross that is on the stage. It is very strongly

symbolic of the religion of Christianity. Jesus was said to be tortured and crucified on a

cross and it remains the symbol of the religion he

created. People look to this cross for answers throughout

their lives. They make the “sign of cross” which is a

hand motion in the form of a cross over their body or face. This is a kind of blessing or

prayer.

Statue Christ

This statue of Christ was also on the stage of prayer. It is symbolic and a tribute to the man who gave his life for all of humanity. It is also

symbolic to the fact that Jesus listens to the prayers of visitors and relieves them of their sins. He gives people hope in times of trouble. People look to this statue as a form of sanctuary from the dangers,

troubles, and evil in the world. A simple prayer in front of Jesus gives people the peace of mind to live on to the next day and better

themselves. This makes people stay composed in the presence of evil.