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Iconostasis =Icon
Stand
Function of the Iconostasis
Western interpretation.
To shelter
the clergy or monks during the long offices, from draughts in
unheated churches, as well as to prevent the distraction which the
movements of worshippers in the aisles and ambulatory chapels. They
believe it was first used in Northern Syria, towards the end of the
fourth century, and was soon spread widely in both Eastern and
Western Churches. Later it was utilized in the Byzantine Church as
an icon-stand; the screen was a solid veil aiming to prevent the
layman from watching the consecration of the oblation bread and the
wine.
Eastern
Interpretation
It expresses the
Church’s wish to confirm our relation with the heavenly creatures
and the saints, in Jesus Christ.
It reminds us that
the previous separation is overcome by the power of the cross, and
we are standing as if in heaven with all the heavenly creatures and
the saints, and they are close to us in Christ.
The Coptic
Iconostasis
1.
Has three doors; the royal doors, and 2 side doors.
V
The royal (holy) door: where the King of Glory
(Christ) Enters. The Keys are kept with the archdeacon. Occasionally
these words are inscribed “Hail to the Sanctuary of God the Father”.
2.
Sometimes there were windows, because of persecution, and
later they were used to administer communion.
3.
Icons:
V
Right of the royal doors, Icon of Christ on the throne
with the verse “I’m the good Shepherd.”
V
To the right of the icon of Christ is the icon of St.
John the Baptist because he prepared the way for Christ.
V
To the left of the royal doors is the icon of St. Mary
the queen who sat at the right hand of the king.
V
There are usually candles in front of each saint
representing the light of Christ which shines through His saints.
However, there are no candles in front of Christ because he is the
true light.
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