++++++
I know it's unlikely that he hadn't, but I'm forced to wonder if Father had ever actually seen an iconostasis? He says, 'The Gothic builders used the reredos to beautify their altars, and the Eastern churches used this ornamental screen'. Whilst the reredos does beautify the Altar, the iconostasis serves to effectively hide the Altar! Even when the Royal Door is open, it is difficult to see the Altar well.
22 September 2018
Word of the Day: Iconostasis
ICONOSTASIS. A solid screen dividing the sanctuary, in Eastern churches, from the body of the church, shutting off the altar from the worshipers. This barrier is pierced by three doors; the central one, or royal door, has a cross on top. It must also have on it at least two icons representing Our Lord and Our Lady, though it often has many more. The Gothic builders used the reredos to beautify their altars, and the Eastern churches used this ornamental screen.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are subject to deletion if they are not germane. I have no problem with a bit of colourful language, but blasphemy or depraved profanity will not be allowed. Attacks on the Catholic Faith will not be tolerated. Comments will be deleted that are republican (Yanks! Note the lower case 'r'!), attacks on the legitimacy of Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ (I know he's a material heretic and a Protector of Perverts, and I definitely want him gone yesterday! However, he is Pope, and I pray for him every day.), the legitimacy of the House of Windsor or of the claims of the Elder Line of the House of France, or attacks on the legitimacy of any of the currently ruling Houses of Europe.