Information on Visiting the Chapel of Osaka Orthodox Church
The Osaka Orthodox Church has decided to open the church (chapel) to those who wish to visit from March 1st. We already guide those who request to visit, but we want more people to know the beauty of the interior of the Orthodox Church.
Opening Days and Times
Free to visit every Saturday from 3:00pm to 4:30pm.
From 5:00pm, we hold vespers (evening prayers) in preparation for the Sunday service (Divine Liturgy). It is a beautiful prayer consisting of many hymns.
The prayer lasts until around 6:30, but you may leave at any time. Please join if possible.
Visits on Other Days
We are open to those who wish to visit on other days of the week and at other times on Saturdays, but please make a reservation in advance by phone or email as there may be times when staff are not present.
There is no admission fee. Please refrain from using photographs taken for commercial purposes.
Items of Interest
In addition to the unique atmosphere that is not found in other Christian denominations, there are many other interesting items with a rich history to see:
- Iconostasis: A large partition at the front and center of the chapel that separates the altar (the Holy of Holies) from other areas. It is fitted with icons (holy images) depicting Christ, St. Mary, Orthodox saints, and holy events related to them.
- Yamashita Rin Icons: Icons said to have been created by Yamashita Rin, Japan’s first female icon painter, who studied icon making in Russia during the Meiji period.
- Georgian Icons: Icons with a unique touch made in Georgia, which is very rare in Japan.
- Chandelier: A gorgeous chandelier that brilliantly lights up the interior of the chapel. It was moved from Nikolai-do (Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral), the head temple of the Japanese Orthodox Church in Ochanomizu, Kanda, Tokyo.