What is an iconostasis in a church?
iconostasis, in Eastern Christian churches of Byzantine tradition, a solid screen of stone, wood, or metal, usually separating the sanctuary from the nave. In later churches it extends the width of the sanctuary, though the height may vary, and is covered with panel icons.
Why do Orthodox churches have iconostasis?
The Iconostasis is the link between heaven (the Holy of Holies) and the nave (The Holy Place). Therefore, everything is symbolic upon the Iconostasis. The Icons of Christ, the Theotokos, and various saints and feasts are there because Christ, the Theotokos, the saints etc., lead us and guide us into the Holy of Holies.
In which churches can the iconostasis be found?
The iconostasis is a vertical element commonly found in Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches. It serves as a division between the sanctuary and the nave, and several religious figures are represented on it. It originated from the Jewish tradition of separating the congregation leader from the faithful.
What is the purpose of the iconostasis?
In Eastern Christianity, an iconostasis is a wall of icons and religious paintings, used to separate the nave (the main body of the church where most of the worshippers stand) from the sanctuary (the area around the altar, east of the nave). The sanctuary is usually a few steps higher than the nave.
What does the word iconostasis mean?
Definition of iconostasis : a screen or partition with doors and tiers of icons that separates the bema from the nave in Eastern churches.
What is an Orthodox iconostasis?
The iconostasis represents one of the most important architectural features of Orthodox churches. It is an unbroken screen, composed of icons, separating the Sanctuary, where the sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated, from the central part, the nave, where the congregation stands.
