THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
During the time of Solomon, the dedication of God’s Temple in Jerusalem occurred, as recounted in the Book of Kings. Those who participated in the dedication "went every one to his house, rejoicing with glad hearts over the good things which the Lord had done to David his servant, and to Israel his people" (1 Kings 8:66). This was the Temple of the true God for the entire nation and, in fact, the only one for the world at that time. Today, the temple of God shines forth for a growing congregation, made possible by the grace of God, within the one, holy, universal, apostolic Church.
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I trust that you, dear members of this sacred temple, will "depart to your homes, rejoicing with a glad heart over the good things which the Lord has done." The glorious Temple of Jerusalem and the humble yet awe-inspiring symbol of its ancient beauty represent the one God, who sanctifies both. The distinction lies in the fact that this Temple is a mere representation, while here we experience both the representation and the reality of divine presence. Here is "the shadow of...benefits to come" (Hebrews 10:1), while we stand in the truth of benefits already bestowed. Is it not a cause for joy that over this consecrated temple, as was once proclaimed over Jerusalem, the word of the Lord resonates: "I will sanctify this temple, that I may put My name there for ever; and My eyes shall be there, and My heart for ever" (1 Kings 9:3)?