The Icon Altar Cross at Trinity Lutheran
Church
The first thing one notices upon entering Trinity's sanctuary is the
beautiful and unusual cross hanging over the altar.
The cross was designed and painted by local artist Dave Schulz, and
given in memory of Marvin Devine by his family. It was
designed to uniquely contribute to the worship at Trinity Lutheran
Church. It provides us with a window into the heavenly and
spiritual world, and gives visual expression to God's great love for
us all. The people that are represented on the cross are presented
as people of many cultures, and are clothed in the beautiful colors
of the Southwest.
They
are from left to right as you face the cross:
St Olaf - King of Norway (holding
our processional cross) who represents the European heritage of our
church.
Father Kino - who brought
Christianity to Arizona and a man of peace.
Paul - apostle and missionary to the
Gentiles.
Mary - Mother of God.
Jesus Christ - the risen Lord yet
still bearing the signs of his crucifixion.
Matthew,
Mark,
Luke, and
John - the four Gospel Evangelists.
There are many Christian symbols on the cross. Some are
very obvious and deliberate, but some are subtle and open to
interpretation. These are a few of the symbols and their meaning:
Apple - Symbol of original sin,
Skull & Bones - Death.
Crown of Thorns - Suffering and
humiliation.
Poppies - Sleep, ignorance,
indifference
Butterfly - Ancient symbol of the
resurrection.
Olive Branch - Peace.
Epiphany Star - Manifestation of
Jesus to all the world.
Iris - A symbol of Mary.
Open Book - The Bible and the Word
of God.
Harp - Music rendered in praise of
God.
The Crutch - A sign that all God's
people are not whole.
Vine - A Symbol of the Church.
The altar in the worship sanctuary.
Read the Trinity Tidings, a monthly publication, to see what's happening at our church, in our neighborhood, and with our members.