What is architectural iconostasis?
Iconostasis, in Eastern Christian churches of Byzantine tradition, a solid screen of stone, wood, or metal, usually separating the sanctuary from the nave. The iconostasis is pierced by a large, or royal, door and curtain in the centre, in front of the altar, and two smaller doors on either side.
What is icon and iconostasis?
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 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 …
What is the entrance to a Catholic church called?
narthex
The narthex is an architectural element typical of early Christian and Byzantine basilicas and churches consisting of the entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave, opposite the church’s main altar.
Why is the pulpit on the left?
In many Christian churches, there are two speakers’ stands at the front of the church. Often, the one on the left (as viewed by the congregation) is called the pulpit. This is especially the case in large churches, to ensure the preacher can be heard by all the congregation.
Where is iconostasis found?
But some of the best examples can be found in Russia and its Eastern European neighbours, including the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael in Moscow’s Kremlin, the Assumption Cathedral in Smolensk, the Trinity Lavra in Sergeyev Posad, Uglich Cathedral, Saint Andrew’s Church of Kiev …
Is Hagia Sophia an architectural marvel?
Turkey’s Hagia Sophia, which has been in the news recently, is an architectural marvel and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It remained the world’s largest cathedral for 1,000 years until the cathedral in Seville, Spain, was completed in 1520.
What does it mean to have an iconostasis in church?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 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 are the features of an iconostasis design?
However, there are some common features that are worth noting. The design of an iconostasis is usually based on symmetry. An axis is defined on the center of the piece and the elements are repeated on each side, including panels for figures, doors and embellishments.
Where did the idea of the iconostasis come from?
The iconostasis evolved from the Byzantine templon, a process complete by the 15th century. A direct comparison for the function of the main iconostasis can be made to the layout of the great Temple in Jerusalem. That Temple was designed with three parts. The holiest and inner-most portion was that where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
Where are the icons located in a church?
To the left, the first image is the Virgin Mary holding the Child Christ, then there is an image of the local saint or patron to whom that specific church is devoted, and then the secondary door. An image of the Last Supper is commonly found above the center doors.