Editing Cathedral (section)

==Functions of a cathedral==
[[File:CobhCathedralAboveTheTown.jpg|thumb|Many cathedrals are important landmarks. [[Cobh Cathedral]], Ireland, rises up above the town.]]
The role of the cathedral is chiefly to serve God in the community, through its hierarchical and organisational position in the church structure. The building itself, by its physical presence, symbolises both the glory of God and of the church. A cathedral, its bishop and dignitaries have traditional functions that are mostly religious in nature, but may also be closely associated with the civil and communal life of the city and region.

===Symbolic functions of the building===<!---NOTE: Do not edit this heading down to just cathedral. This is specifically about the "building"--->
The cathedral is frequently the most imposing building, and one of the most ancient buildings in its town. The great size and splendor of the cathedral may be out of all proportion to the town itself. The money and talents expended on the building are seen as honoring God, and may also demonstrate both the devotion and the status of the patrons.

Cathedrals are very often oriented east/west, so that the worshipers look towards the rising sun, symbolizing the Risen Christ. The [[architectural form]] of the building most frequently has the ground plan of a cross. This form is both functional and symbolic, its symbolism referring to the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The form is liturgically functional as it allows the building to be divided into sections where different activities take place, or that are occupied by different people, such as the clergy, the choir and the laity.
[[File:StMarys Cathedral Sydney.JPG|thumb|left|[[St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney]] has a typical cruciform plan.]]
The main body of the building, making the longer arm of the cross, is called the [[nave]], and is where worshipers congregate; the term is from the Latin word for ship. The cathedral is symbolically a ship bearing the people of God through the storms of life.<ref>[[W. H. Auden]], ''"Cathedrals, Luxury liners laden with souls, Holding to the East their hulls of stone"''</ref> The nave is also used for major processions, which gather or enter at the furthest door (liturgically generally called the West Door). The aisles on each side of the nave facilitate the movement of people within the building, without disrupting worshipers in the central space.

The arms of the cross are called the [[transepts]] and often contain a number of chapels. Farthest from the main entry is the ''sanctuary'' where the [[Blessed Sacrament]] is laid on the altar or communion table for the consecration. "Sanctuary" means "Holy Place". The word has passed into modern English with an altered meaning because traditionally a criminal who could gain access to this area without capture was thereby given the sanctuary of the church.

Cathedral buildings of the Western European tradition symbolize the progression of the Christian soul towards [[Salvation]]. Many cathedrals of Eastern European tradition are centrally planned. These churches are almost always domed. The symbolism in these cathedral structures is of the hierarchy of [[Earth]] and [[Heaven]], and often reveals its meaning through the internal decoration of the building with frescoes or mosaics.

===Religious functions===
[[File:Evensong in York Minster.jpg|thumb|Music is an important part of cathedral services. Choir practice at York Minster, England.]]
Apart from its organisational function as the seat of the bishop, and the meeting place for the chapter of the diocese, the cathedral has a liturgical function in offering daily church services. Most cathedrals have at least three services of worship every day, often taking the form of matins, Holy Communion and an evening service which is often sung by the precentor and choir. There are often additional services on Sunday. Cathedrals generally have an area dedicated to the performance of choral services and with seating specifically for the choir and dignitaries of the church and town. This part of the building is called the Choir or Quire, and is generally located between the sanctuary and the nave. Because music often plays an important part in the performance of the liturgy, cathedrals generally have a [[pipe organ]] to accompany the choir.

[[File:Lübeck Cathedral baptismal font 1.JPG|thumb|left|The [[baptism]]al font at [[Lübeck Cathedral]], Germany]]
Cathedrals always have a [[baptismal font|font]] or water basin at which the rite of [[baptism]] is performed, in which a person is formally accepted into the Christian church. The font is often placed towards the door because the Baptism signifies entry into the community of the church. In some cathedrals, most particularly in Italy, the rite of baptism is performed in a separate building. One of the functions of the cathedral is the reading and expounding upon the [[Holy Scripture]]. The cathedral generally has a [[lectern]] from which the scripture is read. This often takes the [[Eagle lectern|form of an eagle]] of brass or carved wood which supports the book on its outstretched wings and is the symbol of [[John the Evangelist]]. However, some cathedrals retain elaborate medieval structures on either side of the church, one for the reading of the Gospel and the other for the reading of the Epistle.

The function of expounding on the scriptures is traditionally performed from the [[pulpit]], which is generally constructed in such a way that the voice of the preacher is projected out to the congregation. The pulpit is often decorated with the winged figures of a man, a lion, a bull and an eagle, representing the Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.<ref>T. Francis Bumpus, ''The Cathedrals and Churches of Belgium''.</ref>

The services that are held within the cathedral follow an annual cycle. The designated scriptural readings for each day of the church's year establish a pattern that alternates periods of introspection and penitence with periods of celebration, and is punctuated by the two great celebrations of Christmas and Easter.

Many cathedrals are places of pilgrimage to which people travel in order to worship or venerate a holy object or the reliquary of a saint. Many cathedrals are regarded as places that have provided rewarding religious experiences, where prayers have been answered or miracles have taken place. Pilgrimage was particularly popular in the late medieval period. Some cathedrals such as Santiago de Compostela continue to attract pilgrims.

===Civic and social functions===
[[File:Funeral of Patriarch Alexy II-16.jpg|thumb|The funeral of the Patriarch [[Alexy II of Moscow|Alexy II]] in the [[Cathedral of Christ the Saviour]], [[Moscow]]]]
The formal cathedral services are linked to the cycle of the year and respond to the seasons of the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas falling in the winter and Easter in the spring. Cathedrals often hold a service of thanksgiving called [[Harvest Festival]] in the autumn.

Births, marriages and deaths are often celebrated by services at cathedrals and the cathedral often acts as a repository of local history by recording these events. The cathedral marks times of national and local civic celebration and sadness with special services. The funerals of those famous within the community are invariably held at cathedrals. People who have served the community or the church are often buried within the cathedral with which they are associated. Alternatively, they may be commemorated by a memorial. Some cathedrals, such as [[Aachen]] and [[Reims]] are the traditional coronation places of monarchs.

[[File:Ss Peter Paul Catholic Cathedral.jpg|thumb|left|Cathedrals are important meeting places. After a service at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, [[Sri Lanka]]]]
Another civic function of the cathedral is the imparting of significant civil information. Announcements may be to the populace from the steps of the cathedral, or within the cathedral itself.

Most cathedrals have a bell or bells. These are used to announce that a service is soon to take place. They are also used to convey information and celebration. The ringing of peals signifies a time of rejoicing, such as a wedding. An extended ringing of peals or "changes" conveys a time of great civic celebration. The slow tolling of the deepest bell signifies a death or disaster. Many cathedrals have a clock with associated chimes that announce the time. The bells of a cathedral are traditionally used to signal the outbreak and the ending of war.

Cathedrals are often associated with significant secular organisations such as the office of the local mayor and council, the local court, the local regiment, schools, sporting organisations and service clubs. The cathedral often has its own school, primarily for the education of choristers, but often including other children as well.

The cathedral, often being a large building, serves as a meeting place for many people. The cathedral often forms a centre of different activities related to community service, youth activities, study, music and decorative arts.
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