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The Iconostasis and the Deisis |
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 Iconostasisof the Cathedral of the Dormition (Moscow) |
 Deisis |
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The iconostasis is an altar screen or wall which, in an Orthodox church, separates the Sanctuary from the nave. The Sanctuary is where the Eucharist is celebrated, which symbolizes the Divine world. It is separated from the nave which is the part reserved for the believers and symbolizes the human world. The iconostasis is the most distinctive feature of an Orthodox church. It is richly decorated with icons, and usually consists of four or more rows or registers. Click here to see an example. In the iconostasis, the row with the Deisis, usually the second row from below, is the most important. The word 'Deisis' comes from a Greek word meaning 'prayer' or 'intercession'. In iconographic language it represents a group of three persons: Christ, seated in majesty in the center, with his Mother to his right and John the Forerunner to his left. The persons are slightly bowed while raising their hands in a gesture of humbly asking. - Click here to see a large image of the Deisis.
- Click the link 'Alexander Boguslavski' below for further explanation and a schematic. The Deisis, and with it the iconostasis, played an important role in the development of iconography. As mentioned above, it was limited to the group of three persons, in its early form. In later years Theophanes the Greek profoundly changed this structure. He thereby replaced the figures, which were traditionally showing the upperbody only, with the entire person, on foot, with the total length of the persons over two meters tall. Furthermore, he increased the number of persons in the composition of the Deisis by adding Archangels, Apostles, Church Fathers and Martyrs. It can be easily understood that an iconostasis with this larger array of angels and saints is only seen in large churches. The following links lead to several other excellent images and texts : - The Deisis of the Archangels Cathedral (side chapel), Moscow - Alexander Boguslawski - Catholic Encyclopedia - Iconostasis - The Iconography of the Russian Iconostasis - The Russian iconostasis - The Iconostasis in 8 different churches - Also see Iconostasis - 2, the iconostases shown in an image-cycle at the top of the Welcome Page. Included in there are : -- Contemporary iconostasis, St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral, Dallas, TX - Vladimir Grigorenko The image provides access to 25 others. Make sure to read the note at the bottom of the page. -- Iconostasis in the St. Simeon Stylites church, Moscow
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| Updated : 21 November 2006 |
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