Drawing in the Church 4 - St Michael is revealed

Day four

ST MICHAEL AND THE CHANCEL

The Archangel Michael to whom the church is dedicated has an important role in every branch of the Christian church and within Islam and Judaism.

In Islam Mikail (Michael) is one of the four archangels along with Jibrail, Israfil and Azrail. The Quran mentions him in 2:98. He provides nourishments for bodies and souls and is also responsible for nature events. Mikail is often depicted as the archangel of mercy.

In the New Testament Michael leads God's armies against Satan's forces in the Book of Revelation, where during the war in heaven he defeats Satan. Michael is is always shown with armour and treading on a dragon; carrying a banner, scales (for soul-weighing) and his sword.

Interestingly his Patronage includes police officers and grocers. He also appears on the coat of arms of the city of Kiev.

THE CHANCEL

In church architecture jargon, the Chancel is the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery). This is always at the liturgical east end of a traditional church layout.

This is the business end of the church.

Sanctuary has stone altar, again that delightfully sparse style of design.

Oak communion rails embrace the Sanctuary. It was before these rails that Siân and I stood thirty-one years ago to have our marriage blessed. I recall Sian’s father had to make intercessions with the Bishop of Oxford for permission to walk her up the aisle, as it was not strictly allowed then.