Church Spirit

It is a nother scene of the old part of the city of Jaffa. There are  are some different churches. This one is called St. Michael. I photographed while the ceremony took place,

Thanks for viewing.

 

Thanks

While I can appreciate the beauty and sacredness that this sort of place holds for some folks, I cannot help but be incensed by the silliness it represents. It saddens me to see so much energy going into something so counter to the needs of human survival. Kind of makes me think of the beauty of a species such as jellyfish, whose ethereal and other-worldly appearance belies a nasty ability to cause great  pain and suffering.

Very well taken of course.

I completely agree with you... It was the first time I saw a ceremony like this, people were kneeling  on their knees, and some were really laing flat on the floor  and the priest was walking/passing  on them..... unbelievable. I understand the idea behind this king of churches, It looks like a terestial heaven to the believers!. all the deity invension is the people need for explaining themselves what are life, believing  in a super power like God...!Thanks.

Excellent shot. The interior is captured in all its precise and colorful detail. But what really attracted me the most about this picture was the group of figures lower right, especially the man who is turning away so gracefully. The expressiveness of his pose is like something out of a picture by Michelangelo

Jack,for your very eloquent written impressions.Thanks as well for refering to his pose and  the work of Michelangelo ,that I did not think of, and very nice  of you to think of it in that way...;-))

I love these ornamental churches and that style of halo. You've captured so many interesting details.  The littlest kid steals the show because of the joy he seems to show.  Myths, stories, tales, explanations filled with pomp and colors really help build a world view, excite imagination.  I can just imagine where this is located in Jaffe -- one of my favorite places!  What a shame the lore is also used to polarize people

Thanks, for your nice evaluation and impression.I agree with you it is  a very artistic church  in Jaffa  and it is the first time I was there and photographing while the ceremony took place .

I gree as well  with  your last sentence, you are  so right ! Thanks again.

I sense that you composed this with care, and I especially appreciate the way the photo (format) ends on the dark red banner on the RHS. The beautiful ornamental setting of the church is quite rich and fairly busy (a real challenge for a photographer, I reckon), but your use of a slow shutter-speed enabled a beautiful, subdued & soothing light here, which enhances the setting & atmosphere in a lovely way. I too like the way the little boy at the bottom right seems so enthralled.... his expression & sideways stance really liven up the photo too. 

I'm not very active on PN of late ( have been quite busy...) I hope that you are doing well, Pnina & Have a great WE. Best, Marjolein

The light is what I most like in the picture. There is a great control of light that brings colours so impressive. Lovely composed. 

Thanks  a lot for your nice impressions.I was there the first time and photographed while the ceremony took place,without any disturbance....it is a very decorated  church. so I have many good frames.

Marjolein,I know that  you are busy and I'm glad when you have the time and show up!;-))

I know so may impressions can strike one as they view this capture Pina, and I do not know of this church and their beliefs etc. I would like to comment more so on the Technical aspects to what 'ability' I have (which is not that much) but I think you've got a fine capture of the expressions of the young children, and the young man taking care of them before the ceremony begins. I too am struck by his 'posture'.

Excellent timing on your part. And most lovely is how well you captured the lovely colours and detail of the walls of this place of worship. I find the paintings fascinating and quite beautiful. The detail in the carvings on the wooden chairs and stand on the left is excellent as well.

I think most beautiful is the 'light' you were able to use to obtain this capture. It is lovely and almost pristine in nature. While all of this 'decor' is not necessary for 'worship', it goes without saying that this 'ceremony' is part of the lives of those in this particular community and I come away wanting to 'search out' this place called 'Jafffe', to learn more.

Most sincere regards, Gail

The retained details are lovely.  To me, the most thrilling thing about sitting in church these days is the light.  I'm much more inspired by the physical environment--the colors, the windows, the garb, the paintings--than anything said or done in a service. 

Gail, for your nice written expressions As I wrote it was my first visit in this church and I'm glad you liked the different dtails of the place/

Jeff, I think you are right about the decor and walls, light and surrounding more than the words....;-))

I love the intrusion of the enthusiastic children upon the solemn opulence of the space.  Wonderful light and colours.