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Liturgy & Worship

The Iconostasis

The Iconostasis, by Anonymous Russian icon painter (before 1917), second half 19th century
Iconostasis icon (19th c., Russia, priv coll) Anonymous Russian icon painter (before 1917), second half 19th century Public domain

The icon-adorned screen separating the nave from the altar/sanctuary in an Orthodox church. Features tiers of icons: local tier (Christ, Theotokos, patron saint), Deesis tier (Christ enthroned with intercessors), Feasts tier, Prophets tier. The Royal Doors (center) open during specific liturgical moments, revealing the altar.

Sources

  • Constantine Cavarnos, Guide to Byzantine Iconography
  • Timothy Ware, The Orthodox Church (Worship chapter) archive.org

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