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No more elegant or striking examples of the diverse styles of ecumenical architecture can be found than these three masterpiece monuments to religion. Oakland's new Cathedral of Christ the Light is “the most expensive in American history.” This “glowing, luminous space” will resonate as a place of worship and hopes to convey an inclusive statement of welcome and openness as the community's symbolic soul. The glass, wood, and concrete structure seeks to ennoble and inspire through the use of light, material, and form. LDS Oakland Temple commanding a sweeping view of the San Francisco Bay Area, the 170-foot temple is a highly recognized landmark. The magnificent grounds are distinguished by a creek-style water feature running from fountain to fountain toward the temple entrance—lined with colorful gardens and towering palm trees. An inner courtyard features an enchanting waterfall that feeds a large reflecting pool and an inspiring reproduction of Thorvaldsen's Christus statue. The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension was built in the centuries-old Byzantine traditions while using material, design and engineering of the present day. Traditionally, Orthodox Churches are symbolic, that is, their physical or earthly features are intended to point to, or direct us to a heavenly significance. The site of this church, high above Oakland and the San Francisco Bay, signified to the community that planned the church, the Ascension of Christ from the earth 40 days after His Resurrection, therefore its name. Lunch at The Madrigal Restaurant at the Lake Merritt Hotel.
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