The interior of an Orthodox church
is divided into several parts. One enters the church through the Porch where,
in ancient times, the Weepers (Penitents forbidden to enter the church proper)
stood. From the Porch one entered the Vestibule (Narthex; Lity — Greek; Pritvor
— Russian), in ancient times a large, spacious place, wherein the Catechumens
received instruction while preparing for Baptism, and also where Penitents
excluded from Holy Communion stood. Here was found the Baptismal Font and it is
here that the Church Typikon specifies that penitential services (such as
Compline, Nocturns and the Hours) be served. In modern times, except for
certain monasteries, the Vestibule has fallen into disuse with the decline of
the Catechumenate, and has virtually disappeared in church architecture.
The main body of the church is the
Nave, separated from the Sanctuary (Altar) by an Icon screen with doors, called
the Iconostasis (Icon stand). The walls of the Nave are usually decorated with
Icons and frescoes or paintings, before many of which are hanging lit lamps (lampadas).
On each side, near the front, are usually found portable Icons — called Banners
— which are fastened to staffs. These are carried in triumphant processions in
like manner to the ancient military banners of victory, which they imitate.
Especially noticeable in traditional Orthodox churches is the absence of any
seating (except perhaps for benches placed along the walls and at the rear).
The Holy Fathers deemed it disrespectful for anyone to sit during the Divine
services (except at certain explicit moments of instruction or Psalm reading)
and the open spaces were seen to be especially conducive to the many bows and
prostrations typical of Orthodox worship.
At the extreme Eastern end of the
church is found the Altar (or Sanctuary), with two small rooms — the Sacristy
and the Vestry — at either side, separated from the Nave by the Iconostasis.
The Iconostasis is placed near the edge of the platform upon which stands the
Altar and the part of the platform which projects out into the Nave is called
the Soleas (an elevated place) where the Communicants stand to receive Holy
Communion and where the Celebrants come out for public prayers, sermons, etc.
At either side of the Soleas are places for two Choirs, called the Kleros
(meaning lots, since in ancient times Readers and Singers were chosen by lots).
At the front of the Soleas, before the Holy Doors, is an extension of the
Soleas, called the Ambo (ascent) which is the specific spot where the faithful
receive Communion and where sermons are given. In many Greek churches, there is
a separate place to the side of the Soleas for the delivery of sermons — the
Pulpit.
Sometimes placed in the center of
the Nave is a raised platform called the Cathedra. Here the Bishop stands when
he is vested and it is from here that parts of the services are performed by
him. In some churches a special throne is set at the side of the Nave for the
Bishop's use.
A
Russian Orthodox Church of the Most Usual Type. (Interior Plan).
The Altar.
0. The Iconostasis
1. The Holy Table
2. The Table of Preparation
3. The High Place
4. The Vestry
5. The Holy Doors
6. The South Door
7. The North Door
8. The Ambo
9. The Kleros (Choirs)
10. The Soleas
11. The Nave
12. The Vestibule
13. The Bell-Tower
14. The Porches