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Saint John The Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church
Iconostasis |
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ICON - A flat painted sacred picture, sometimes covered with embossed metal except over the arms and face. The painting of icons has a theology of its own. | |||
| ICONOSTASIS - The wall of icons separating the sanctuary from the main body of the church. | ||||
| Every Eastern church will have an iconostasis before the alter. "Iconostasis" means "Icon-Stand." In a mission parish it can be as simple as a large image of the Virgin and Child on an easel on the left, a matching image of Christ on the right. In a more established church, the iconostasis may be a literal wall adorned with many icons. The basic set-up of two large icons creates three doors. The central opening, in front of the altar itself, usually has two doors, called the "Royal Doors", because that is where the King of Glory comes out to the congregation in the Eucharist. Only a bishop, priest, and deacons who bear the Eucharist use the Royal Doors. | ||||