Re: pews within the Church

What's wrong with a bunch of chairs? This works wonderfully in our church and and provides a great compromise. The chairs are set up in rows for the regular divine liturgy, but can be moved to the periphery and/or out (thus still providing seating space for those who really need it) for times when prostrations are needed, or during times such as Pascha when more space and moveability are needed (at Pascha our church becomes very crowded with those who don't tend to attend regularly, despite the fact that attendees must stand for up to four hours). I also don't see anyone having a problem with those that must sit down - I would guess that those who do have a problem with the seated are generally perceived as cranks. Plus it can be easier to get out if you need to attend to washroom or deal with a crying child. Pews seem a bit confining and limiting to me. Why are pews deemed to be preferable to chairs?