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Sanctuary of Prophecy The southern Sanctuary of Prophecy is dominated by high places. The Temple Mount, the highest point in the Sanctuary, rises steep along the Sanctuary's southern boundary, and the peaks of several mountains form a lofty ridge along the Sanctuary's western boundary. Elevations range from 5200 to 6000 feet above sea level.
Open-Air Churches
Sanctuary of Revelation The northern Sanctuary of Revelation is all high ground, with elevations ranging from 5500 to 6500 feet above sea level. The terrain is rugged and steep. Its roads and pathways wind along the sides of mountains. The Sanctuary grounds are often subject to strong winds and generally remains covered with snow throughout the winter.
Open-Air Churches
Church of New Easter
Church of the Seven Seals
Church of New Ephesus
Church of New Smyrna
Church of New Pergamos
Church of New Thyatira
Church of New Sardis
Church of New Philadelphia
Church of New Laodicea
Church of New Qumran
Church of New Bethany
Church of New Mt. Hebron
Church of New Mt. Carmel
Church of New Mt. Tabor
Church of New Damascus
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A church on sacred grounds may be enclosed by running walls, and its communion tables covered by a canopy with sides open to the elements, but never roofed; divine worship is performed only in a consecrated open-air church.
As a place for divine worship, the high place or mountain is indispensable to the erection of any consecrated church. A church is sacred by virtue of the acts that take place within it following consecration; these acts being the performance of the liturgy in accordance with the sacred calendar and the prescribed liturgical books. Churches are oriented according to church ecclesiology, situated on holy mounts, and consecrated and blessed by the Patriarch of the Church in conformity with sacred law.