The Labyrinth at ELPC

An ancient tool for individual walking meditation and prayer.

About the Labyrinth

The labyrinth is an ancient, sacred symbol found in many religious traditions throughout the world. During the Middle Ages, labyrinths were prominent in numerous cathedrals in Europe, where Christians walked floor labyrinths or traced their fingers along the carved ridges of wall labyrinths. For medieval Christians, the labyrinth was a symbolic pilgrimage: instead of taking a costly and dangerous pilgrimage to Jerusalem, worshipers made a symbolic journey on a cathedral labyrinth. The best know of these Christian labyrinths is in Chartres Cathedral in France, which was built during the 13th century.

Today, modern pilgrims walk the labyrinth as one of many ways to pray and meditate. The winding path into the center and back out again is a metaphor for the journeys of life and faith. Unlike a maze, which has many paths and is a puzzle to solve, the labyrinth is a single path in and a single path out, and is designed to quiet the mind for prayer and meditation.

Thousands have walked the labyrinth at ELPC since the Labyrinth Ministry began here back in 1996. Today we have six floor labyrinths, all on canvas, ranging from 38 feet to 22 feet in diameter. Four of the labyrinths are in the 11-circuit Chartres pattern, one is in the St. Paul à la Chartres style, and the last labyrinth is in the Santa Rosa style.

During the summer months when the weather permits, the labyrinth is placed outside in the beauty and serenity of our courtyard. Throughout the rest of the year and in prohibitive weather during the summer, the labyrinth is specially set up in the Sanctuary.

The Labyrinth Ministry at ELPC

ELPC was one of the first churches in the Pittsburgh region to develop a Labyrinth Ministry. The labyrinth has since become an integral part of our diverse, multicultural ministry, and it serves as a bridge for reaching Christian seekers and friends of all faiths.

Each year, events, worship services and other activities for the congregation and the community are coordinated by our Labyrinth Ministry team. Opportunities include:

Labyrinth Prayer Walk

Used an ancient, sacred tool for individual walking meditation and prayer, the winding path into the center and back out again is a metaphor for the journeys of life and faith. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, our regular Monday and Wednesday labyrinth opportunities are postponed until further notice. Check back for updates.

Other opportunities

The labyrinth also is set up for special events held during liturgical seasons of the year.

Would you like to borrow one of our labyrinths?

It is possible to arrange for a representative of our Labyrinth Ministry to bring one of our two portable (36 or 24 feet in diameter) labyrinths to your event in the greater Pittsburgh area. Your group also may make arrangements at a special time or day to visit our labyrinth, and meet with a guide. Please contact the Rev. BJ Woodworth, spiritual life director, at 412.441.3800 x241.