Structural+Symbolism+of+an+Eastern+Orthodox+Church


 * Structural Symbolism of an Eastern Orthodox Church**

The Eastern Orthodox Church is full of ornate decorations and intricate symbols. Even the church building itself has a deeper meaning. The church, historically, represents Noah’s Ark in the sense that the clergy and church goers will be saved from the flood of temptation present in the world.

The Eastern Orthodox Church, unlike other churches in Christianity, is broken up into three distinct and very symbolic areas.
 * Sections of the Church:**


 * Narthex**: The narthex is an area right outside of the main worship area where non- orthodox visitors are asked to stand during any kind of religious ceremonies.

//The narthex is linked to the nave through holy doors in most cases. These doors usually have two pillar candles on either side, which represent the pillars of fire the Jews faced as they fled Egypt.//


 * Nave**: The nave is the main worship area of the church. It is the biggest of the three areas of the church. Above the nave, lays the dome on which the painting of Christ, the Pantocrator, is situated. On the east end of the church sits the iconstasis. The iconstasis is a wall of the church filled with icons (symbolic paintings of saints).

//In the middle of the iconstasis is a holy door, which only clergy members may pass through. This door leads to the third section of the church, the sanctuary.//


 * Sanctuary**: The sanctuary is a special place in the church. Within the sanctuary is the blessed alter which contains all the things necessary for conducting a service.

If there’s one thing the Eastern Orthodox Church is best known for its Icons. Icons are paintings of saints that are displayed across the iconstasis in an Eastern Orthodox Church. They are filled with symbolism. Orthodox Christians use Icons instead of 3D statues because they think that the pictures should represent and show spiritual meaning and not physical meaning. This is opposite an Orthodox Jew Temple that has not paintings or pictures what so ever.
 * Icons**: