Is the apse end the most sacred end of the main chruch? And is it always facing East?

Answer 1

The most sacred part of the church is the space where the Tabernacle is since that is where the Body and Blood of Christ are. So if that happens to be in the apse, then yes, that's the most sacred part of the church. If the Tabernacle is elsewhere, then no. If it's a Protestant church that doesn't believe in transubstantiation, then I don't think it matters. Most churches are built facing East, as per tradition. Whether that's because of pagan influence (rising of the sun) or actual Christian theology is anyone's best guess. St. John of Damascus says it symbolizes the return of Christ, "When ascending into heaven, He rose towards the East, and that is how the apostles adored Him....Waiting for Him, we adore Him facing East. This is an unrecorded tradition passed down to us from the Apostles." Of course, I don't recall ever hearing that Jesus rose towards the East, and he could just be using this explanation as a justification. There are a few churches that do not face east, but most do. Catholic Churches in Beijing face south, but one could also argue that they're Chinese government Catholic Churches and not Roman Catholic ones.