Reminders of the Holy: Tiny Chapels

One of the many tiny backyard chapels of the Greek islands

How do you experience the Holy?

I confess, have always had a "thing" for tiny chapels.   And yes, although I do love cathedrals and other houses of prayer, tiny chapels hold a special place in my heart.

Have you ever found one of these little gems as you explored off the beaten path somewhere?  Teeny, tiny, cute...and very special!


When I visited the Greek islands many years ago, I was delighted to find many little chapels, most of them white with blue doors.  In fact, many houses had their own private little chapels in their backyards!


Now, for someone who has a thing for little chapels, I thought this was pretty cool.

Many of these chapels are no larger than the size of a large garden shed.   They maybe allow a maximum of perhaps six people inside.  Maybe ten if it is a larger tiny chapel. 


But size, numbers and 'heads in the pews' were not the point.  These are holy places, a place to rest and pray.  A quiet, peaceful place....to listen, and perhaps be alone... with God.

St Nikolaos Chapel, Mykonos

Wonderful reminders of the Holy in our busy, fast paced world.


This is St Nikolaos Chapel in Mykonos.  Notice it is right next to the water and boats.   St Nikolaos is the patron saint of Greece, and the protector of sailors.


Here are some photos of beautiful little chapels for you to enjoy.

Tiny chapel in town, Mykonos

Here (to the right) is a tiny chapel in town in Mykonos.  And yes it really does hold worship services, smells, bells, incense and all!

Tiny Roadside Chapel, Salome, Arizona

But let us not overlook our tiny chapels here in the USA.  In the American southwest, (my home) we may not have as many tiny chapels as Greece, but we do have some! 

Tiny Chapel near Yuma, A

Here is a photo of a tiny roadside chapel in Salome, Arizona.
 
And here is another tiny chapel near Yuma, Arizona.  I read a farmer built this in memory of his wife.   Unfortunately, I also read the chapel was damaged in a storm most recently.
And this little backyard chapel is just a few blocks from my home in Phoenix.  It is actually a monastery, the Holy Stavropegial Monastery of St. Anthony. 


There are so many ways to see, hear, taste and experience the Holy.  I know not everyone gets into little chapels like I do.  But I do know that each of us has that special something, whatever it may be.  


What is yours?