What is an Orthodox 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).
What is the Knave of a church?
The nave (/neɪv/) is the central part of a church, stretching from the (normally western) main entrance or rear wall, to the transepts, or in a church without transepts, to the chancel.
What happened to the iconostasis of Hagia Sophia?
There were two more Churches accepted as Church of Holy Wisdom, but only Hagia Sophia was not destroyed. The Alter, the bells, sacrificial vessels and iconostasis were all removed when the church was converted into a mosque.
Is sanctuary in a church legal?
While the practice of churches offering sanctuary is still observed in the modern era, it no longer has any legal effect and is respected solely for the sake of tradition.
What is the entrance of a church called?
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. By extension, the narthex can also denote a covered porch or entrance to a building.
Where does the iconostasis sit in a sanctuary?
The Iconostasis does not sit directly on the edge of the sanctuary, but is usually set a few feet back from the edge of the top step. This forms a walkway in front of the iconostasis for the clergy, called a soleas.
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.
Where is the Iconostasis screen in the Russian Orthodox Church?
…Russian Orthodox churches is the iconostasis screen, which stands between the nave and sanctuary and displays icon panel paintings representing the Virgin, the saints, and narrative subjects.…
Which is the best example of an iconostasis?
The definition of an iconostasis is a screen decorated with icons that divides the sanctuary of a church from other areas. An example of an iconostasis is the wall of images that is found in very traditional churches. YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2018 by LoveToKnow Corp