A SIMPLE CHURCH DESIGN

          KEY

altar (click to enlarge)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILED PLAN

1. NARTHEX: Scenes from the Last Judgement and the Old Testament. We repent as we enter the House of God, (called a "temple" in the Orthodox Church).  The baptismal font is sometimes here or separately in a courtyard.

2. NAVE: Where the people stand, just a few seats for the infirm.  Scenes from Christ's earthly life and the saints.  Above, Christ the Pantocrator, (He who holds all things in His hands).

3. ALTAR:  Refers to the whole sanctuary area.  Contains the Holy Table for the celebration of the services including the Divine Liturgy or Eucharist.  Also contains the Table of Oblation, (upper, area 3), where the Holy Gifts of bread and wine are prepared before the Liturgy.
   LINK TO A MORE DETAILED ARTICLE

4. SOLEA: a walkway/step in front of the icon screen, (iconostasis ... dashed line).

5. AMVON: (ambo/ambon) ... a small platform for the use of the priest or deacon in front of the Holy Doors.  Only these ministers may enter through the Holy/Royal Doors.  Servers use the Angel/Deacons' Doors either side.

KEY TO ICONOSTASIS ICONS

ICON SCREEN (ICONOSTASIS)

TYPICAL EXAMPLE

1. Last Supper

2. Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Mother of God, (Theotokos), and Ever-Virgin Mary

3. The Four Evangelists on the Holy Doors

4. The Saviour

5. The Mother of God, (Theotokos), and Ever-Virgin Mary

6. The Angel/Deacons' Doors

7. The Forerunner, St. John the Baptist

8. The Patron Saint of the Church

9. The Major Feasts (Festivals) of the Church

10. The Apostles

11. The Prophets

12. The Fathers and the Mothers of the Church in Heaven with the Theotokos

13. The Holy Cross ... above which in the apse (curved inset ceiling), the Mother of God Icon of the Sign, or "she who fills the heavens), welcoming believers to her Son whom she presents to the world.

14. Follow this link to a site page which displays icons 2 to 8 above.

Mother of God Icon of the Sign

INSIDE THE ALTAR (SANCTUARY)

KEY

1. Holy Table - A copiable Worksheet with Answers describes the objects on the Holy Table and the Table of Oblation and this link explains their use and significance for Orthodox Worship.   (This is a graphics intensive page).

2. Table of Oblation (Prothesis or Proskomedie)

3. The High Place with the Bishop's throne.  The throne will also be in the Nave.

4. The Iconostasis (Icon Screen)

5. Solea (see above)

6. Amvon (see above)

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