The Windows of Trinity

The Holy Trinity with Saints Peter and Paul
(East Transcept)

The Peter and Paul windows were originally separate windows in the Cathedral's nave and later united in the East Transept with a center panel symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

The Center Panel

The top third of this window depicts God the Creator. Flames emanating from the sun point toward a triangle (sign of the Trinity) in the form of a compass, suggesting the scope of creation by the Master Designer. The all-seeing eye within the triangle signifies the all-present, all-knowing God (11 Peter 3:12; Proverbs 22:12) who gives purpose to the created order of the universe, calling to mind the prayer in Eucharistic Rite C: "At your command all things come to be; the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home." (BCP, page 370)

The middle third of the center window presents the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, ".one Lord, Jesus Christ, eternally begotten of the Father." He is represented by the CHI RHO monogram composed of the first two letters in the Greek word Christ (XPICTOC). To the left of the CHI RHO is the crown of thorns and nails which speak of his death and passion, and to the right, the bursting pomegranate, an ancient symbol which conveys two meanings: (1). Resurrection and new life, and (2). The Unity of the Church (many seeds in one fruit).

The lower third of this window depicts a descending dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, and, flowing from the Cho Rho, the waters of baptism (John 1:32). Surrounding the dove are seven golden doves representing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, .wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord." (Isaiah 11:1-2)

The bottom of the panel presents a traditional symbol of the Blessed Trinity. The three curving sides, each exactly equal in length, carry the Latin words, "is not." The short straight bands have the word "is." The outer circles bear the words, "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit," while in the inner circle is "God."

The Right Panel

Saint Peter the Apostle is depicted. At the top we see a cock representing Peter's denial of Christ following the Last Supper, and also his subsequent repentance. (Mark 14:71; John 13:38)

In his hands, Peter holds the keys to Heaven, recalling Jesus' words: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 16:19) Below the Apostle is an inverted cross reminding us of his death. According to tradition, he was crucified in Rome head downward at his own wish for he did not consider himself worthy to die in the same manner as Christ.

The Left Panel

Saint Paul, the Apostle, is depicted. At the top we see a phoenix arising from the flames. The phoenix, a mythical bird, was said to rise from the flames, restored to life and youth, and enter another life-cycle. The idea suggested here relates to Paul's new life after his conversion on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:3). Even his name (Saul) was changed.

In his right hand, Paul holds a scroll, one of the many Epistles or letters he wrote during his lifetime. His left hand clasps the hilt of the "Sword of the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:17) According to tradition, Paul was beheaded by a sword. At the bottom of the panel, a small boat symbolizes both the Church of Christ and St. Paul's missionary journeys.

This panel is given in memory of Mae and Carl Rasmussen.