For many potential Orthodox Christians, the physical beauty of Orthodoxy (even in humble, local parish temples) is extremely important. But other potential converts, particularly from Evangelical backgrounds, frequently misunderstand our dedication to glorifying God in physical structures as being, somehow, superficial. As not being in keeping with the Early Church. As being indicative of a Christian Faith that is material and lacking in spiritual depth. We sometimes reinforce these mistaken impressions by being too quick to immediately defend our gorgeous temples, while not being clear enough that Orthodox Christianity is for everyone, everywhere, and at all times – for the life of the world. Let us never apologize for the beauty of our magnificent temples. But let us also not make them a stumbling block to those who have been fed nothing but lies about Christ’s Church. Whether the Orthodox are gathered in a gorgeous cathedral or a snow-covered field, the Holy Spirit is the same. Christ is the same. The Father is the same. The Orthodox Faith is the same. Amen. https://orthodoxreflections.com/does-orthodox-christianity-really-need-fancy-buildings/