The first known example of a Christian labyrinth comes from North Africa and dates from the fourth century. The labyrinth is a mosaic in the Roman style and can be found in the Basilica of St. Reparatus, 100 miles west of Algiers. At the center of this labyrinth are word-squares which repeat the phrase Sancta Eclesia (Holy Church) many times. By placing the church in the center of the labyrinth, the builder placed the church in the center of the Civitas Dei (City of God), which is itself in the midst of the Civitas Mundi (City of the World).

Between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, many labyrinths were laid out in cathedral floors.

During these times, pilgrimages were very popular, especially pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Christians at the time believed Jerusalem to be at the center of the world, and it was placed centrally on their maps.

Since most people could not get to Jerusalem, they went instead to cathedrals like Canterbury, Chartres, or Santiago de Compostella, and completed their pilgrimage by walking to the center of the labyrinth in the church floor. They would then slowly retrace their steps out of the labyrinth to once again embrace the outside world.

Our Labyrinth

The labyrinth is a place for prayer and meditation.

The path of the labyrinth is a sacred place set aside for those who walk it to reflect and feel the presence of God.

This is one journey in life where it is impossible to get lost. The path of the labyrinth is a way to find peace, relaxation, and to feel the healing presence of God.

Labyrinth Information

The Labyrinth may be walked by individuals at any time from sunrise to sunset.

Groups should schedule their visits through the church office.  Please call 314-741-1590 to set aside a time for your group.

Any individual or group wishing to hear about the labyrinth from a docent should also schedule that through the church office.  Docents are available at no charge.

There is no charge to use the labyrinth.

Did you know?

Labyrinths have been used throughout history by many different cultures, including Christians, as meditative aids.

What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze is something designed for people to get lost in. Mazes offer false options that lead to dead ends. A labyrinth is a place for one to find oneself. It has only one path, which leads to the center.

How have they been used?

The labyrinth design has always been used to designate a sacred space. Labyrinths have been used to help people understand their relation to nature and God’s design, to promote a sense of well-being and healing.

Once the labyrinth itself was completed, a path was constructed, as well as pads for benches.  By the end of 2005, benches had been placed at the site, and the labyrinth had been cleaned and sealed and was ready for use.  Since then, we have added landscaping and a water feature.

In February 2006, Zion hosted a weekend-long seminar on labyrinths.  Many of the attendees walked our labyrinth at least once (see below) during the three days of the seminar, which was given by Robert Ferré of Labyrinth Enterprises.

On Christmas Eve 2006, over 200 candles were placed on the labyrinth and its path so that anyone who wished could walk it before the Christmas Eve service (see right).  And we have added a picnic table and boxes of literature so that those who visit can eat, rest, and read about labyrinths during their sojourn here.

Welcome to our labyrinth!