Expert: Rebecca Curran - 10/18/2004

Question
Hi Rebecca,
My question is in regards to the meaning of San Vitale. Justinian built the church in 546 and it seems that the clergy of the church were his central focus. The chancel apse and altar are reletively blocked from the visitor's view and visitors are not allowed on the central octagonal floor, only in the ambulatiory surrounding. Is San Vitale merely used for the clergy's ceromonies or does the church even care to inform the viewer of the ceromonies? What is the significance of the viewer's ban from seeing all and walking on the central floor?

Answer
Hi Nick, Most old churches from that time seperated the viewer from the clergy because the viewer was not holy enough to partake or even see the procession. Even modern Roman Catholic churches seperate the clergy from the people. Only the clergy are allowed to stand at the alter. Even in Weddings you are only allowed to stand in front of the alter not on the holy ground at the apex of the church.
So to clearly answer your question common people are not holy enough the see the alter and stand on the holy ground
Thanx for the question
www.rebeccacurran.ca