The vestibule is divided into two parts, the inner and the outer,
the latter being called the “porch.” The inner porch, used, in the early ages,
to be set apart for catechumens — persons who wished to become Christians, were
receiving Christian instruction and preparing for baptism — and for penitents,
i.e., for Christians who, for their sins, were refused communion. In the vestibule
was placed the fount for the performance of baptism; here, also, Christians
used to take their food at a common table after the end of divine service. In
some monasteries the vestibule to this day serves as dining-room or refectory.
It is in the vestibules that the church orders the penitential services to be
performed, in order more clearly to show that men remove themselves farther
away from God by their sins and become unworthy to stand with His people. In
the outer vestibule or porch the “weepers” used to stand in ancient times — a
class of penitents who were forbidden to enter the church,
and here implored the prayers of those who went in. In the East, funeral
services over the bodies of departed Christians are held on the porch.
Articles For Divine Services