1. WELCOME
TO THE WORLD OF
SYMBOLISM

2. THE SYMBOLS SPEAK THE EAST WINDOW
How symbols display the faith of believers through the beauty of stained glass
THE EAST WINDOW
“The Apostles”

3. In 1966, in the E A S T
w i n d o w s,
stained glass, replacing the plain glass, was installed with the . . .

4. E A S T
symbols already embedded in them

5. THE APOSTLES
The East Window

6. Disciple = learner Apostle = one sent out
THE APOSTLES
. . . Jesus called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles Luke 6.13
Disciple = learner Apostle = one sent out
14 symbols

7. Each symbol displays either an event from the life of the apostle or symbolizes how he was martyred.
Each apostle is recognized on a certain day of our church year, noted underneath the symbol.

8. Cephas (Aramaic=rock) Wrote 2 epistles of NT
1 SIMON (PETER)
Two crossed keys show-ing authority to forgive and retain sins (Mt 16.19)
Authority was given to church based on Peter’s confession “Thou art . .” (Mt 16.16)
Peter (Greek=rock)
Cephas (Aramaic=rock)
Wrote 2 epistles of NT
Jun 29

9. It came to be known as the “St Andrew” cross
X-shaped cross shows the manner in which he was crucified--on a cross of this design
It came to be known as the “St Andrew” cross
He brought Peter, his brother, to Jesus (Jn )
Nov 30

10. The 3 shells are signs of pilgrimage & the missionary spirit of James
3 JAMES the Elder
The 3 shells are signs of pilgrimage & the missionary spirit of James
James traveled widely with the message of Christ
Brother of John
First apostle to die (Acts 12.2)
Jul 25

11. It was said that John drank poison and survived
Chalice with serpent
It was said that John drank poison and survived
John, the last apostle to die, was the only one who didn’t die a martyr’s death
Brother of James
Wrote the Gospel, 3 Epistles, & Revelation
Dec 27

12. 5 THOMAS (Didymus-twin)
Spear and carpenter’s square
The square indicates he was a builder (India)
Spear shows how he died
Thomas needed visible proof to strengthen his faith (Jn 20)
Known as “Doubting Thomas”
Dec 21

13. Wrote the Gospel of Matthew
Three money bags are a reminder of the previous profession of Matthew--a tax collector (Mt )
He is also called Levi
Wrote the Gospel of Matthew
Sep 21

14. The knife is a symbol of how he died--he was flayed (skinned) alive
7 BARTHOLOMEW
Bible with a knife
The knife is a symbol of how he died--he was flayed (skinned) alive
Also called Nathanael
The first disciple to call Jesus the Son of God (Jn 1.49)
Aug 24

15. Also known as James the Less (Mk 15.40)
8 JAMES the Younger
Picture of a saw
Shows how he died--said to be killed in Persia for his faith and then sawn in two
Also known as James the Less (Mk 15.40)
May 1

16. A cross and 2 loaves of bread
9 PHILIP
A cross and 2 loaves of bread
Reminder of the feeding of the 5000 when Philip doubted Jesus’ power (Mt )
Brought Nathanael to Jesus
May 1

17. Ship with a plain white sail--different from the symbol for the Church
JUDE
Ship with a plain white sail--different from the symbol for the Church
Jude sailed away for missionary service in distant lands
Also known as Judas, son of James, or Thaddaeus
Oct 28

18. Bible with double-edge sword behind it
PAUL
Bible with double-edge sword behind it
“Spiritus Gladius” is written on the pages of the Bible: “The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God” (Eph 6.27)
Known as the Apostle to the Gentiles
Wrote most of NT
Jan 25

19. Bible with double- sided ax Shows Matthias’ martyrdom--he was beheaded
Matthias was chosen as the replacement apostle for Judas (Acts 1)
Feb 29

20. Illustrates that Simon was a fisher of men by the power of the Word
13 SIMON the Zealot
Fish on top of Bible
Illustrates that Simon was a fisher of men by the power of the Word
Belonged to the political party of the Zealots
Oct 28

21. Disciple who betrayed Jesus
14 JUDAS ISCARIOT
Blank shield
Disciple who betrayed Jesus
Nothing desirable to remind us of his be-trayal, therefore no symbol
Even though blank, it sends a powerful message

22. SUMMARY Two sets of brothers Peter and Andrew James and John
All but one was a martyr Only John died naturally
The additional 2 apostles Paul Matthias

23. SUMMARY
Five had more than 1 name Simon=Peter=Simon Peter=Cephas Thomas=Didymus (twin) Matthew=Levi Bartholomew=Nathanael Jude=Judas=Thaddaeus
Three had the same name Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot James the Elder and James the Younger Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot

24. Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life
Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2.10)

25. The East Window

26. End of this section
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