The orientation of churches is the architectural feature of facing ("orienting") churches towards the east (Latin: oriens). The Jewish custom of fixing the direction of prayer and orienting synagogues (Mizrah) influenced Christianity during its formative years. In early Christianity, it was customary to pray facing toward the Holy Land. The orientation of churches toward the east has persevered until the present day in a number of Christian denominations. The orientation of churches towards the east confused some people into seeing Christianity as being sun worshiping.