Colors of the Domes of Orthodox Churches

The domes of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow are among the many colorful domes on Orthodox churches around the world.

The Orthodox Church has a long history of constructing magnificent places of worship, ornately decorated on the interior with richly symbolic and vibrant iconography and topped by towering domes reaching to the heavens. Each country and culture has developed its own flavor of Orthodox architecture, and there are no set specifications for the size, shape or color of the domes. The colors of the domes carry deep theological significance and are intended to point their viewers toward God.

History

The use of domes in sacred architecture dates far back in Orthodox history. Basilicas, or large church buildings, date as far back as the fifth century. The best-known domed church, the Hagia Sophia, was raised between 532 and 537 A.D. in Constantinople, the city now known as Instanbul. The dome of this Church of Divine Wisdom was designed to inspire meditation on heaven and the mysteries of the Almighty. Since then, Orthodox domes have taken on many different appearances, from the onion-shaped structure common in Russia to the pear-shaped dome favored in Ukraine.

Colors

The colors of Orthodox domes are highly variable. For instance, the onion domes of the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Moscow are pure gold, while Saint Basil's Cathedral in the same city is topped with domes painted in vibrant blue, green, red and yellow in many different patterns. Other architects favor domes painted black.

Number

The number of domes on Orthodox churches carries theological significance. Some architects favor a three-dome arrangement to represent the persons of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Others choose a five-dome configuration to represent Jesus and the four Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Symbolism

The symbolism of the colors of Orthodox domes is not strictly assigned, but can be extrapolated from the rules guiding Orthodox art. For instance, in Orthodox iconography, gold represents the light of God and his divine nature. Red is traditionally a reminder of the passion and suffering of Jesus and the martyrs, but also signifies the Resurrection and eternal life. Green is the color of the Holy Spirit, the natural world and new life. Blue is a color associated with the "God bearer," or mother of Jesus, Mary. White is another symbol of the light of God, and is also used to denote righteousness, purity and holiness.

References

• Orthodox Church in America: Church Architecture and Orthodox Theology
• Greek Orthodox Archidiocese of America: "Orthodox Art and Architecture"; John Yiannias; 2003
• Russian Orthodox Church: Symbolism of Colors in Icon