Domes and architecture

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Russian Orthodox churches differ in design from most western-type churches. First, their interiors are very highly decorated, with frescos of many kinds covering every square centimeter of the interior. Some of these are of saints, others of more commonplace scenes. One particularly striking feature of many Russian churches is that the interior reaches all the way up into the dome or domes of the church (most Orthodox churches have the shape of domes). On the ceiling of many churches (inside the main dome in a domed church), an icon of Christ as Pantokrator (Creator of All) is almost always there. Pantokrator icons emphasize Christ's humanity and divinity simultaneously, signifying that Christ is a man and yet is also God without beginning or end.

The colors of the domes of a Russian Orthodox church having meaning, as follows:

• Black – submission, found on monasteries
• Green - the Holy Trinity
• Blue – the Spirit of God
• Gold - Jesus, the gold domes on top of tall drum-like towers were created intentionally to look like candles from a distance.

The number of domes on a Russian Orthodox church also has meaning, as follows:

• One on its own indicates Jesus.
• Three indicates the Holy Trinity.
• Five indicates Jesus and the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Click on the link below for more information of Russian art and architecture:
http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/russian/art.html