Plans have been approved for internal works to the former Ely Methodist Church in Cardiff to make it more suitable for use by the Romanian Orthodox Church. The main feature of the alteration is the construction of an iconostasis inside the grade-II listed building.
An iconostasis is a tall ornate wooden screen featuring multiple tiers of religiously significant icons, with the upper tiers prominently depicting Christ and the Virgin Mary. Each icon has a specific placement and meaning, often following ceremonial traditions.
Purpose and Design
The application states: “[The iconostasis] serves both a liturgical and symbolic purpose, marking the sacred space of the altar. It allows for a visual representation of the heavenly realm, connecting the congregation with divine figures.”
It is planned to be made of hardwood to provide “durability and aesthetic appeal” and the icons would be gilded in gold leaf to enhance their “visual impact and spiritual significance” and painted using “traditional techniques” to ensure “vibrancy and longevity”. The iconostasis would also separate the sanctuary from the main church hall.
Additional Works and Response
Other internal work includes a toilet and baby changing facilities. A response from Historic Buildings and Places, published in a council report, reads: “Reoccupation of this disused Methodist Church by a Romanian Orthodox congregation is welcome in principle – as it maintains religious use and keeps the interior open at its present volume. The creation of an iconostasis, a vast highly decorated backcloth to serve as a focus for worship, will introduce a visually stunning feature and will make the building more not less interesting. The implied loss of the pulpit, a major element in Methodist worship, is regrettable although we appreciate that a pulpit and an iconostasis are incompatible.”
However, they advised caution on “technical grounds” due to possible loadbearing elements of the church’s construction. The church is located on the junction of Cowbridge Road West and Colin Way and is now known as the Romanian Orthodox Parish Of All Saints in Caerau.
