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.
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 iconostasis mean in Greek?
In Eastern Christianity, an iconostasis (Greek: εἰκονοστάσιον) is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary in a church. Iconostasis also refers to a portable icon stand that can be placed anywhere within a church.
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 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 …
In which church would you find the iconostasis?
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.
What is sanctuary give one example?
The definition of a sanctuary is a place of refuge or rest, a place where you can feel at peace or the holiest part of a temple or a church. An example of a sanctuary is a church or temple. An example of a sanctuary is your home.
Is the cross at the top of the iconostasis?
At the very top of the iconostasis is a large cross (often a crucifix in bas-relief), the source of our salvation, and on either side of it are the pictures of Our Lady and of St. John.
Why does the Orthodox Church have an iconostasis?
In an Orthodox church there is no thing or action which does not carry meaning of spiritual weight. Even the iconostasis and curtain over the Royal Doors are full-fledged “participants” in the Divine services.
What is the meaning of the iconostasis in Isaiah 64?
The iconostasis is a nexus point for time and eternity, chronos and kairos. Isaiah cried, “If only You would tear the heavens open and come down (Isaiah 64.1).” The iconostasis is the image of this cry revealed, God did indeed tear heaven open and come down to dwell among the people made in His image.
Is the choir screen an analogue of the iconostasis?
In the great Gothic cathedrals the choir screen or rood screen may be said in a way to be the analogue of the iconostasis, but that is the nearest approach to it in the Western Church. None of the historians or liturgical writers of the early or middle Greek Church ever mention the iconostasis.