Rising up in a neighbourhood of light industrial buildings and manufacturing plants, the brand new Ethiopian Orthodox church certainly stands out. John Robert Colombo spotted the gleaming dome a while back and took me over for a look-see today.
John, past recipient of a Humanist of the Year Award by the way, was inspired to assume a pose of benediction on the front steps. A gentleman in the parking lot encouraged us to go inside.. the door was open but no one was about.
The interior was spacious and cool. John noted the octagonal plan. Centred above the rows of pews, a rather spectacular dome draws attention with its brightly painted iconography.
I wonder, in ten years’ time when those shiny domes have acquired a rich patina, what will the surroundings be? Will the industries have vanished? Will tree-lined residential streets replace the parking lots and make the church look more at home?