Bahemian Greek Orthodox Church

This beautiful little church is the Church of the Annunciation.  How could I NOT stop in a church painted "Blessed Mother Blue"?  I've always wanted to go to a Greek Orthodox Church, so when I stumbled upon this one, I knew I'd found my chance!

In I went.  I was greeted at the door by a very laid back, but super friendly, individual.  The vibe in this church was much different than the Cathedral up the street.  It felt very quiet and very, very reverent.  It's not that those in the Cathedral weren't reverent.  It's just the close quarters and extremely ornate architecture / artwork made for a very mystical, awe-inspiring experience.

Upon entering the church, I was greeted by this icon.  It was under what looked to be a mini baldacchino.  It was made of beautiful wood and it housed an icon depicting the Annunciation.  

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Here is a detail of the icon.  I'm not sure if this was silver, but it was definitely some sort of metal overlay with tiny cutouts to the faces of the Virgin and Angel Gabriel could peek through.

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From there, I silently moved my camera around.  The church was very small - seating maybe 50 people.  However, what they lacked in size they made up for in beauty.  Oh, how wonderful was their artwork!  I've always known Greek Orthodox kept their sanctuaries screened, but wow.  Seeing one in person was unreal!  The screens were magnificent!  Edging my way closer, I was taken in by the massive 3-tiered chandelier made entirely of gold.

It reminded me of the many visions of the 3 tiered "Heavenly Jerusalem."  The lighted candles and the brilliant light pouring in through their cupola was just... my breath really was taken away.  It was so, so beautiful.

Then, of course, was their stained glass windows.  These, too, were very beautiful and thoroughly educational in nature.

Baptism of Christ

Dormition of Mary

Since it was early yet, I felt brave enough to snap a few photos of the iconostasis.  I mean... just... it was incredible.  Those icons were so beautiful.  I almost felt it unfair that they were trapped in a tiny church away from public view.  

Again, please forgive any blurriness.  I was taking these photos without my flash so as not to disturb those who were praying.  Lighting in some areas was great, but not so great in others. However, I hope you're able to get even a slight idea of how beautiful everything was.


After going ga-ga for the sanctuary screens, my eye caught the priest's chair.  It looked like a bishop's chair!  It, too, was beautiful in its own right.  Across from his chair was what I believe could've been a credence table.  I believe the large, ciborium-looking cup was, in fact, some sort of chalice (those little handles looked like spigots), but given I've never participated in an Orthodox Mass, I really wasn't sure what I was oogling.  I snapped a photo anyway because I thought it was beautiful and wanted to share with you fine folks.  

Finally, I turned my attention back to that magificent cupola.  I wanted to stare at the images all day, but knew I'd miss my bus should I stay for much longer.  I peered up to capture a few last images to keep with me.  I'm so sorry they aren't as clear as they could be. I almost feel like those old men from the Old Testament who wept upon seeing the new temple.  Distraught that the new temple was not nearly as grand or beautiful as their original one, I feel frustrated that these photos do nothing to capture the divine sanctity of that place.  I could have happily stayed in there for hours at total peace.

The Triune God surrounded by the symbols of the Gospels. Does it get any better than this?

I was invited to stay for their services, but I politely declined.  I think I would have had I not had John waiting for me at the hotel.  To experience an Orthodox Mass has always been of interest to me.  However, that can wait for another day.  

I snapped a few photos of their small outside garden (containing the grave of their founding pastor) and made it back to the jitney with about 30 seconds to spare.  

All in all, I'd recommend the jaunt for anyone in Nassau.  So, so worth it.  <3

I really hope you enjoyed all the photos of this church and the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier.  Both were splendid little gems of Christ.  I'm so happy to have had the blessing of being there!