Uwagi dotyczące miejsc kultu w okresie starożytności chrześcijańskiej

Abstract

The Church Fathers’ view of Christian temples is linked to their Christocentric worldview, which was reflected in patristic biblical exegesis. The most important symbol is the cross of Christ. The Church Fathers refer to the cross and the quadrangle in connection with the four rivers that flow out of paradise and irrigate the church and the mountain. Noah’s Ark in the NT is a figure of the Church because it was formed from a square. Another ideal of a Christian temple is the Heavenly Jerusalem, whose length is equal to its width and which is a square. The plan of the early Christian Basilica often reflected the shape of the cross, which was placed in the geometric figure of a rectangle or square. A completely new element in such a plan was the T-shaped transept, which intersected the nave, or the always odd number of longitudinal aisles. Thus, the cross inscribed in a square, reflects the concept according to which the world is created for man, and man is born to sing God’s glory: outstretched arms (horizontal line) and straight body (vertical line) form a square. Numerous forms of circular cult buildings were also known. They were connected with the figure of the octagon and the symbolism of the numbers 8 and 100. The number 100 was a symbol of the highest perfection, as well as a symbol of the glory achieved by martyrs and virgins. This was reflected in the application of the principle of modus, species, ordo. In Christianity, geometric figures combine to create symbolism relating to Christ and the cross. It can be said that the thought of the Church Fathers had not only symbolic, but also practical significance for sacral structures.