About the Ark of the Covenant

The image below is that of a constructed representation of the Tabernacle, built somewhere in Israel.  When God gave Moses the Law (the Ten Commandments) on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19-20), God also instructed Moses to build the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant.  The 2 tablets of stone on which God wrote the ten commandments were kept inside the Ark of the Covenant.  In Exodus 25 -31, you can read God's very detailed instructions to Moses on the construction of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, as well as other pieces of furniture that were kept in the Tabernacle. 

The Tabernacle was a public place of worship for the Israelites.  It was a tent, which housed the Ark of the Covenant.  As the Israelites wondered in the desert on their way to the promised land, they carried with them the Ark of the Covenant.  God's presence was manifested by a thick cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, that accompanied it.  The Tabernacle was built as a tent which made it possible for the Israelites to take it down when they left their camp, and to put it up again, when they got to their next camp site.  

The Ark of the Covenant, a kind of chest made of Acacia wood, was kept in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, and on top of the Chest on either side, were two carved Cherubim facing each other and covered in gold, with their wings spread out so that they touched.  The cover of the Ark of the Covenant on which the Cherubim sat was called the ‘seat of mercy’.  It was made of pure gold, and between the Cherubim, God showed forth his glory.  (EXODUS 25:  10-22)
The story of Israel and the Ark of the Covenant is our story too.  God is omnipotent and omnipresent.  The Ark of the Covenant reminds us that God is truly with us always.  In Christ, he comes to dwell in us and with us.  Christ is our guiding cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.  Christ himself said, ‘I Am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8: 12- 13).

Holy Mass & Blessing of the Replica of the Ark of the Covenant

Date:  Sunday, 22 November 2015
​Time:  10:00 am

Viewing Opportunities

The Shrine is looking forward to sharing this wonderful gift with all Christians, and will be releasing a schedule for viewing soon.

Inquiries

Any inquiries about this Replica should be sent to the Rector's office via email to: sacredheartkaren@gmail.com