by Mindi Popovich-Schneider

In our last lesson, we looked at the types that appear in Exodus, and how they prefigure the life of Christ and the Orthodox Church. In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the instructions God gave His people for proper worship and compare them to how we worship the true God today.

The Sanctuary/Altar:

Exodus chapters 25-27 give instructions for how to build the tabernacle, starting with the innermost part and working outwards. The first section talks about the Ark of the Covenant, then the table, and the lampstand. Read Exodus 25 and 27.

Do we still have these items inside the sanctuary/altar (behind the iconostasis and royal doors)? How are they different now? What is their job in our worship?
How is the table different from the altar?
What materials should be used?

The Tabernacle:

Chapter 26 describes the tabernacle itself. As you read, try to visualize the description.

What images decorate the tabernacle?
What are some of the materials used?
What colors?

Draw a picture of the tabernacle and compare it to the layout of an Orthodox church. How are they similar and different? Why do you think those differences might have come about? What shape is an Orthodox temple usually in?

Vestments:

In Exodus 28, God gives Moses instructions for the priestly garments for Aaron “for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.” The vestments are made up of a breastpiece, an ephod (an “apronlike” garment with shoulder straps), a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash.

Read the chapter and note down the following details:

What colors and fabrics should be used?
What types and colors of stones should be used in each garment…and how many? (You may want to read and compare Genesis 2:10-12 and Revelations 21:10-15)
In what order would a priest put on each garment?

Keeping these details in mind, draw what you think the priestly vestments would look like. Draw a picture of your priest’s vestments. How do the garments compare and contrast? What do you think the purpose of each garment is?

Next, consider the symbolism of the colors, images, and materials used. What does each element remind you of?

Some examples:

Gold: God’s grace

Silver: The goodness in humans, made in the image of God

Bronze: Fallen human nature, refined by God

Blue: Human nature (what the Theotokos contributed to Christ’s incarnation)

Purple: Royalty

Red: Blood of sacrifice/martyrdom

Note: in the Protoevangelium, we learn that the Theotokos was weaving with purple and red, but not blue. Why do you think that might be?

Read the links below for more descriptions of the symbolism of the design of the tabernacle. Then, consider how we have built on or retained these symbols in our beautiful churches!

Further Reading:

https://orthodoxchristiantheology.com/2023/07/20/a-typological-commentary-on-exodus-chapter-25/

https://orthodoxchristiantheology.com/2023/08/14/a-typological-commentary-on-exodus-chapter-26/

https://orthodoxchristiantheology.com/2023/08/20/a-typological-commentary-on-exodus-chapter-27/

https://orthodoxchristiantheology.com/2023/09/06/a-typological-commentary-on-exodus-chapter-28/