The iconostasis is the main place in the church where the principle icons are situated. Iconostasis can be compared to the gates that lead to paradise and so people who are in the church can have a look and see the beginning of the paradise. When we look at the iconostasis we see beautiful birds and other creatures. Iconostasis was created by people who admire the Creator, and they tried to reflect there the creative depth of his mind. He is a real genius because he created us, animals, plants and so many other things that we can see if we look around. So now it is clear for me that the importance of iconostasis is not only in its icons, it is like people's answer to God: He is our creator and we respect and admire his sacred power.
This video describes the church more detail. The monk explained us that every icon, that every thing in the church’s design has its own explanation and function. The church has two parts, the altar is the central point, this is the body of the church. As for me church is the second home where monks are our helpers in this world. The monk for me is a kind of my personal diary, he knows my secrets, my mysteries and it is not shameful to tell it like it is. It can be very egoistic but i can pray and go to church only with one person, my friend. I don’t know how to describe it and explain, but my inner state is always calm when she is near.
This video is about iconostasis the special place in the Orthodox Church. Icons are not only beautiful unforgettable pictures but also a unique things which can create special symbolic meaning in people's minds. We all (people, plants, animals) are creatures of the God and iconostasis helps us to understand the main principles of our existence.
by Rina and Asya The video is focused not only on the meaning of the icons but also on the symbolic message of the carving. The beauty of the carving reflects our Savior's creative genius. The birds of Paradise, seraphim and cherubs carved on the iconostasis form the image of Paradise. Therefore, the iconostasis is for the people in the church, because it is aimed at giving them some glimpse into Paradise.
The video once again boldly points to the fact that the general practical purpose of the iconostasis is to separate the alter from the body of the church and to provide a place to show the icons and other holy depictions. The sanctuary symbolizes the paradise – the desired heavenly place for all the true believers. In my understanding the luxuriant attire of the iconostasis has a direct connection to the peaceful and joyful life in paradise. In this way the iconostasis provides a glimpse of paradise to the congregation. Another message of the iconostasis in the church is to glorify the creative genius of God reflected in His creation both of people (with their creative abilities) and the outside world that is equal in its beauty to the Maker.
This video gives a variety of interesting facts concerning iconotasis. For example, it is said that the iconostasis separates the body of the church and the alter. So here we see the main idea and the main function of iconostasis - it is a bridge between the Paradise (represented by the altar) and the Earth (represented by the body of church). And people have a unique possibility to have a look through the gates of iconostasis at the beauty of Paradise, it's seraphims, birds of Paradise and an amuzing foliage. All this makes us think about the creative genius of the Savior.
So when you enter a church you have a possibility to touch something sacred, something divine that exists in our corporeal world. And this very sacredness fills your mind, your soul, makes you understand the origins of the Christian religion, and the great importance of Faith leading you through the world with all its sins, difficulties and troubles.
