The '''Consecration of a church''' is the service of sanctification and solemn dedication of a building for use as a [[church]]. The [[consecration]] of a church is a complex service that is filled with profound symbolisms. Many biblical elements are taken from the [[Old Testament]]: the Consecration of the Tabernacle ([[Exodus]] 40) and of the Temple of Solomon ([[III Kingdoms|1 Kings]] 8; [[II Paraleipomenon|2 Chronicles]] 5-7).

==Background==

Once a building has been consecrated as a church it may not be used again for a secular purpose. Before construction of a new building as a church, the local [[diocese|diocesan]] [[bishop]] must bless the endeavor. Before construction begins, the bishop lays a foundation stone that may or may not contain [[relics]] of a [[saint]]. After construction of the new church has been completed the building can be consecrated.