Nestorian churches are mostly small and poor; though some are of considerable antiquity and archæological interest, and a few fairly large and handsome. The Moslem law, till the other day, was that Christians might repair their existing churches, but not build new ones.[1] On the outside the churches have no conspicuous sign to proclaim what they are (and so attract the fanaticism of Kurds and Turks)—only a small plain cross over the door, which is kissed by people as they go in. A special feature, now almost a recognized tradition (at least in Turkey), is that the only entrance to the church is by one very low and narrow door, about three feet high (often less), through which one stoops and crouches to go in. This is said to be so made in order that everyone be forced to bow as he enters the holy place. The real reason is no doubt to prevent Kurds driving their cattle into the church. Inside, the nave is divided from the sanctuary by a wall right up to the roof which is pierced by an arched opening about five or six feet wide. The division, then, is more marked than in Byzantine churches by the Ikonostasion. There is a curtain which can be drawn across this arch, sometimes doors as well. Outside the sanctuary wall is a platform, as high as the sanctuary; then steps down and a low wall broken in the middle, something like our communion-rail. Against this low wall are one or more tables (not really altars) on which rest books and a cross, kissed by the faithful on entering and leaving. The choir stands in a group on one side in front of this low wall. The Divine Office is sung in the nave; sometimes (as in the Patriarchal church at Ḳudshanis) there is an open-air chapel, partly roofed over, at the side of the church, with another table for the cross, where the office is sung in summer. Inside the sanctuary[2] is a raised platform under a canopy. On this stands the altar, generally adorned with a plain cross, two candles and the gospel-book. A lectern for reading the gospel is moved to the sanctuary-arch during the liturgy. There are cupboards in the sanctuary for the holy oils and vessels. The
- ↑ I do not know how far this has been modified by the new Constitution. But for some time back it was possible to evade the law by bribery, and to obtain a firman for building a new church. A great number of Christian churches of all sects were built all over the Turkish Empire in the 19th century.
- ↑ Ḳdush ḳudshe, "Holy of holies."
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