Visiting Two Renaissance Churches

     The Church of the Holy Trinity in Presov is considered the mother church in this area for a number of reasons.  One important reason is that in 1531 the entire area surrounding Presov converted to Lutheranism.  Another reason is the heroic stand that the Lutherans of Presov took during the time of the persecution when twenty four Lutherans were martyred.  Through 200 years the Lutheran in Presov struggled to build and maintain their own church.  Finally, in 1785, Trinity Lutheran was dedicated.  This church is built in the Renaissance style making use of a high arched interior and multiple balconies.  Buried within the church are the remains of the 24 executed by General Anton Caraffa.
     The other church of this period that we visited is Rejova.  Several things about this church are somewhat unique.  One that I found interesting is that the entire floor slopes downward to the altar.  Another is the amount of gold leaf used in the liturgical elements.  The carved and painted columns supporting the four-sided balcony remind me of the pillars in the church at Serbin, Texas.  Most of the literature uses the term "onion dome" when talking about the final fixture atop the church tower.  One of my big questions is not why they call it an onion dome, but how in the world do they make them, each one unique and exhibiting its own elements, and above it all, the cross of Jesus.

The Church of the Holy Trinity, Presov.....

The Lutheran Church of Rejdova.....

Two women of the church heading home.
+Sola Deo Gloria+