Structures of Faith: The Holy Sepulchre Church over Time

Uncover the Sacred Layers of Christianity’s Holiest Site

Explore the architectural and spiritual evolution of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—from its origins in the time of Jesus to the most recent archaeological discoveries. This four-week online course invites participants to examine how the physical transformations of this sacred space reflect and inform the enduring realities of Christian faith.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Trace the development of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre from the time of Jesus to the present

  • Analyze how architectural changes reflect theological and political shifts

  • Understand the interplay between physical structures and the intangible realities of faith

  • Appreciate the Church as a dynamic and layered testimony of Christian tradition

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Roberta R. Ervine
Professor of Armenian Christian Studies

Dr. Ervine was a long-time disciple of the late Archbishop Norayr Bogharian, curator of manuscripts for the Armenian Monastery of St. James in Jerusalem, and of Bishop Guregh Kapikian, Overseer of the Status Quo in the Holy Places. She taught in Jerusalem’s Holy Translators School and lectured at other Jerusalem institutions before joining the faculty at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in Armonk, NY. Her primary research interests are in the history of Jerusalem’s Armenian community and medieval Armenian patristics. She holds a doctorate from Columbia University, where she studied under the late Nina Garsoian.

Course Format & Schedule

Live Zoom Sessions:
Tuesdays, 8:00–8:45 p.m. ET

Dates:
August 5 – August 26, 2025

Access Period:
July 29 – September 30, 2025

  • The shape of the first Holy Sepulchre complex was defined by  the geography of 1st century Jerusalem. This session traces the trajectory of its construction process from raw ground to pagan temple to Constantine's great architectural statement of Christian faith.

  • Although the Constantinian structures stood the tests of time for nearly three centuries after their construction, their  very splendor made them vulnerable. This session begins with  a quick overview of  how historic changes in  Jerusalem affected later  iterations of building at the site. Then, we set out in quest of remnants from Constantine's structures that are still to be found outside the perimeter of the present Holy Sepulchre Church.

  • The literal bedrock of the Holy Sepulchre Church's history has been the rock of the Calvary/Golgotha quarry itself. In this session we will trace the rock throughout the interior of the church. In addition to noting the rock's location, we will also see some of the biblical stories and extra-biblical traditions that have been incorporated into the structures built on it.

  • The sites of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection have been important to Christian worship since the construction of the Holy Sepulchre Church complex, if not before. Today's system of intense and detailed choreography is designed to keep the holy sites accessible to all Christians that have the right to worship at them, locals and pilgrims alike. This session will address the development of that worship choreograph, and how it works today.

Tuition & Registration

Course Fee: $200
Refund Policy: No refunds after July 28, 2025

To participate, you’ll need to create a username and password during registration. All course materials and recordings will remain available through September 30.

What’s Included

  • 4 live discussion sessions (~45 min each)

  • 4 pre-recorded lectures

  • 4 slide presentations to accompany each lecture

  • Optional reading material

  • Access to session recordings and all course materials from July 29–September 30

You may submit questions ahead of time for each live Zoom discussion with your professor.

Take Another Step on Your Theological Journey


Bundle & Save: Two Courses for $350

Looking to deepen your understanding of sacred space and its architectural significance this summer? Pair Structures of Faith with our companion course:

Spoken Icons: Vivid Homilies as Guides for Perceiving Sacred Arts

Discover how early Christian preaching shaped the way worshippers saw and experienced sacred art, space, and liturgy. This engaging four-week course explores how patristic homilies serve as vivid, interpretive guides—opening our eyes to the meaning behind icons, architecture, and the flow of worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. This is a non-credit, non-transferable enrichment course designed for personal spiritual and theological growth.

  • No. While the course is grounded in the Orthodox tradition, it welcomes students of all Christian backgrounds and those exploring Orthodoxy.

  • No problem. All live Zoom discussions will be recorded and available to watch anytime during the access period.

  • After registering, you’ll use the login credentials you created to access the course platform. All content will be available starting July 29.

  • No, readings are optional and provided for those who want to explore topics more deeply.

  • Not at this time. This course is for personal enrichment and does not offer a certificate of completion.