Orthodox - Interior

Remembrances of Travels East

The interior of this church reminded me of so many visits to Orthodox churches in Eastern Europe. The icon style, painted pillars, the iconostasis. 

The street that this church is on was a Roman road for the military camp there. 

The church was celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the first Council of Nicea. Christianity began to get its form. 

This is an icon of the Church Fathers.

The Narthex














The Nave


Somebody decorated candles for Easter. People could buy them. 








The Chancel






The organ at the back. 

The church was originally for the Jesuits, built in 1628. When the Jesuit order was dissolved in the 1790’s, the church was used as granary, under the French occupation. Afterward  it was a Catholic parish church. It was badly damaged in the War, then repaired with a simplified roof. 

The Orthodox purchased it in 1987, and the paintings added in 1997 and 2002. Because of its good acoustics, it is used for choirs and concerts. 

Next, into the city center.

Easter Tuesday

A Forty-Day Season

So we can continue to celebrate. Yesterday was a holiday, but everyone is back to work today. 

I will share some trip pictures, and some of Aachen. 

We stayed at this youth hostel, about 3 km from the city center. It was a tenant farm in former years. Some modern buildings have been added to the complex. 

We arrived on Maundy Thursday in time for the evening service, which was a bit of a miracle, after all the traffic slowdowns we hit. But, as I said, God sent down an angel and a dustpan to clear the way for us once we got into France 🇫🇷, then Belgium 🇧🇪. 

On Friday and Saturday mornings, we had Bible studies (topic this time: the life of David, with historical notes) and choir practice. Then after lunch at the hostel, everyone dispersed to go sightseeing. We walked to the city center and first went to see Charlemagne’s church. Think end of 800’s to today. 

Getting there:

Many large old houses along the way.

A large building with its own chapel.

Saint George needing a bit of repair. 

Chubby cherub 


The steeple! It’s always good to know you are getting closer.


Then we saw this church, and went for a look. It turned out to be an Eastern Orthodox Church. They made note of the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, A.D. 325, that Christians all over the world are celebrating this year. 

A small garden next to the church

And the Archangel Michael above the portal.

To be continued…. The beautiful interior.

Blessed Easter

Christ is Risen!

Flowers for our service in Aachen

Gift for Pastor, and our choir piece. 

Blessed Good Friday

Hello from Aachen

We are at our church’s Holy Week Retreat in northern Germany, close to the Belgian border. We had a very long drive, but arrived last evening in time for the Maundy Thursday service. In the mornings we have Bible studies and choir practice, then after lunch (Youth Hostel fare) we go sight seeing. I took a lot of pictures today of the city and the Dom, which I will share with you over the coming days. 

For now a couple of glimpses of getting here and hostel. 

Blessings on your Good Friday meditations.

Driving through Germany. Worker houses from long years ago. 


In Aachen


The hostel. It was once a tenant farmstead, but the part in the picture is new. I will get other pictures sometime.

In Aachen city center.

More to follow. 

Palm Sunday Walk

After Church

Our young people arranged a dinner on a high hill over looking their hill overlooking their town. 

Spring flowers were tumbling out of all the gardens along the way. Some places had Easter trees. 

Fire hydrant guards








This tree signifies a new completed build, with added Easter wreaths.


Up the hill, into the forest on a path.


Arrived, after the climb. 


Outside the restaurant.


Beside the restaurant 

Inside the restaurant 

Fresh and local foods. Served in a mini wheelbarrow.

A historic viewing tower is on the grounds.


And a fun playground. They do not show in the photo, but there were spinners, teeter-totter, and a ship to play on. 

More flower beds

Blessed Holy Week.