What is an iconostasis used for?

What is an iconostasis used for?

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 is the purpose of the Templon?

A templon is a feature of Byzantine churches consisting of a barrier separating the nave from the sacraments at the altar. The solid templon first appeared in Christian churches around the 5th century and is still found in many Eastern Christian churches.

What do you understand by Orthodox?

The definition of orthodox is someone or something that strictly adheres to religious beliefs or the conventional, normal way of doing things or normal accepted standards. An example of orthodox is a person who abides by all religious doctrine.

What is the genesis of iconostasis?

Lesson Summary. 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 …

Why do Orthodox churches have iconostasis?

The Iconostasis is the link between heaven (the Holy of Holies) and the nave (The Holy Place). 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.

What does the word iconostasis mean?

: a screen or partition with doors and tiers of icons that separates the bema from the nave in Eastern churches.

What is a rood screen in a church?

rood screen, in Western architecture, element of a Christian church of the Middle Ages or early Renaissance that separated the choir or chancel (the area around the altar) from the nave (the area set apart for the laity).

What is the chancel used for in a church?

The east end of a church, traditionally the place where the high altar is located. Chancels may have seating for a choir, and there may be small chambers off the chancel, such as a vestry, an ‘office space’ for the priest. Chancels were often dominated by a large east window above and behind the altar.

Which religion is orthodox?

Orthodox means adhering to accepted norms and creeds – especially in religion. In Christianity, the term means “conforming to the Christian faith as represented in the creeds of the early Church.” The Orthodox Church is one of the three main Christian groups – the others are the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.

Is orthodox Catholic?

The Eastern Orthodox Church considers itself to be both orthodox and catholic. In a Christian context, the Christian Church, as identified with the original church founded by Christ and his apostles, is said to be catholic (or universal) in regard to its union with Christ in faith.

In which church would you find the iconostasis?

iconostasis, in Eastern Christian churches of Byzantine tradition, a solid screen of stone, wood, or metal, usually separating the sanctuary from the nave.

What does it mean to have an iconostasis?

An iconostasis (also iconostas or icon screen) is a screen or wall which serves as a stable support for icons and marks the boundary between the nave and the altar or sanctuary. The term can also refer to a folding, portable set of icons.

What was the bottom tier of the iconostasis?

Many modern iconostases in the Greek tradition only include the bottom (“Sovereign”) tier, and on occasion a second tier of smaller icons, usually depicting either the Great Feasts or the Apostles (with an icon of the Mystical Supper, or occasionally the Hospitality of Abraham) above the Beautiful Gates.

What are the three doors of the iconostasis?

The iconostasis typically has three openings or sets of doors: the Beautiful Gates or Holy Doors in the center, and the North and South Doors to either side. The Beautiful Gates are sometimes called the Royal Doors, but that name more properly belongs to the central doors connecting the narthex, or porch, to the nave.

What kind of materials are used to make an iconostasis?

Besides specifically religious images, iconostases often have a large diversity of ornaments and embellishments, crafted in a diversity of materials, like stone, wood, or metal. The iconostasis is a vertical element commonly found in Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches.

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