Yes, ladies and gents, I decided to write an entry for my own challenge. Naturally I can't win, but I picked the theme after discovering the amazing Berliner Dom. Writing a description has been bothering me ever since, so here it is.
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| The first photo I took on entering the cathedral. |
The moment I walk into the Berliner Dom, I
fall in love. A magnificent painted glass triptych greets me, sharing images
from the life of Jesus Christ. They glow in marble and wood, brightening what
should have been a dark church on a cloudy day.
I lose myself in my majestic surroundings,
and then something magical happens. A tenor starts to sing, practicing for his
role in the St. John’s Passion. Soon, the floating, pure notes of a soprano
joins him.
Music fills the cavernous cathedral, the
sound multiplied perfectly by the acoustics, bouncing off strict statues of
Calvin, Luther and other founders of the protestant church.
I get goose bumps as I try to take
everything in.
The fine gold filigree, edging murals of
gentle-faced evangelists. The soft, warm light spilling from burning candles next
to the beautiful golden altar. The dancers practicing for the Passion.
I sit down for a moment to watch the
practice, but my attention is drawn away within seconds. The organ looms silent
above the graves of kings and queens. More candles burn in their memories. A
little to the side stands a pulpit. Its wood is the same dark color as the
organ’s frame, but instead of being somber it only adds depth to the splendor around it. A big golden cross crowns the pulpit’s canopy.
Every inch of the cathedral has something
to see.
A sense of absolute devotion permeates
everything. That the very best had been given and done to God’s glory. Maybe
that’s what gives the space such a presence.
Or maybe it’s the feeling that the church
is secretly sentient. It’s as if the church breathes on its own, living to
speak to those fortunate enough to enter it.
When I leave, it invites me to come back.
There you have it, ladies and gents. What do you think?
If you also want to enter the Word Master Challenge this month, you have until Sunday. Click here for more details.
Also, today is the last day to vote for your favorite bloggers, so don't forget to do so if you haven't yet.
Beautiful place, and a wonderful description of what it feels like to be in the presence of such majestic beauty.
ReplyDeleteI would love the join the word challenge, but I am swamped this month. Maybe next month . . .
It's so prettttty <3
ReplyDeleteI love churches, the architecture of them is just so beautiful. (not modern churches so much)
And yes. I think buildings ARE sentient to some degree ~
Amazing pictures! I visited a variety of churches in Italy a few years ago and they all looked similar to your description! really brought back the memories!
ReplyDeleteAlso I'm still working on my description. Sorry it's taking so long! :(
Beautiful. I can almost imagine that experience from your description. I have never been there but have been in places which evoke the same, awe-filled moments inside me. Feeling truly outside one's self and feeling like you are involved in a greater moment is rare and reminds me, at least, that there is more to life than what I see in front of me.
ReplyDeleteBeauuutiful!!! LOVE your description:-)
ReplyDeleteWish I could go visit it now. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, lovely entry Misha (and picture). I do love an old church, St Pauls is stunning. For me, with or without faith, it inspired a certain sense of universal space, making me feel inferior to the universe and yet connected to it at the same time - like one very important cog in an infinite mechanism. I could understand completely why churches of such beauty inspire and nurture faith. x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous description and photos. I visited the cathedral about ten years ago during a quick trip to Germany and it's truly amazing—a work of art—and you captured its essence beautifully!
ReplyDeleteYou created a great atmosphere Misha. I felt as if I was standing in the church. Well done.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I didn't get around to posting this month. I forgot. I hope you're planning one for March - I haven't found the description yet.
.......dhole