Russian Orthodox Influence

Just about anywhere you go in Alaska, you'll find evidence of the Russian Orthodox influence. A bit of research revealed this basic facts about the "onion"domes and unique crosses that represent the religion.

One dome represents Christ as the one true head of the Church, two domes, the human and godly nature of Christ. Three domes represents the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and five domes Christ and the Apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

A blue dome represented the color of the heavens and mankind's desire to one day unite with the heavenly church. Gold domes represent Christ as the king, while green symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The domes are elongated for a very earthly reason, however. The slender, elongated domes are meant to represent the flame of a candle, one leaping up toward heaven.

Each bar on the cross has a meaning. The top bar represents where the words written on Christ's own cross were carved, words reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The second bar marks where Christ's arms were spread and nailed. The third bar where his feet were placed as he hung on the cross. Finally, if the third bar is slanted, it might be deemed directional. The side pointing upward (to Heaven) represents the man crucified alongside Christ who asked Christ for forgiveness, guaranteeing hm a place in Heaven. The side pointing downward is meant to remind of of the man who did not repent of his his sins and would not make it to heaven.