Part 5 of 9 · 2 min read
Inside the church
In short An Orthodox church is laid out as a path from the everyday world towards God: you enter in the west and face east. Tap a part of the plan to see what it is.
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Narthex
The entrance hall. People buy and light candles here and kiss the icons on the way in. In the early Church, people preparing to join (catechumens) stood here.
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Solea and ambo
The raised step in front of the icon screen. The curved bit in the middle (the ambo) is where the Gospel is read, the sermon given and Communion handed out.
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Iconostasis
The wall of icons with three doors. Christ is on the right of the central (“royal”) doors and Mary on the left. It isn’t a barrier. It shows who’s on the other side. The doors open at key moments.
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Altar
The sanctuary. The Holy Table in the middle holds the Gospel book and the bread and wine during the Liturgy. It’s set aside for the clergy and altar servers. It faces east, towards the sunrise, a symbol of Christ’s return.
Things you’ll see people do
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Icons
Images of Christ, Mary and the saints, painted in a set style. They’re not meant to look realistic. They show people changed by God. Orthodox call them windows to heaven.
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Candles
A small offering that goes with a prayer: for someone sick, someone who has died, or yourself. The flame keeps “praying” after you walk away.
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Incense
“Let my prayer be set before you like incense” (Psalm 141:2). When the priest censes you, bow slightly in return. He’s honouring the image of God in you.
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Bowing and crossing
People cross themselves at the name of the Trinity, when entering, and before kissing an icon. A bow where you touch the floor with your hand is called a metania.
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Kissing the priest’s hand
When greeting a priest, Orthodox often say “Father, bless”, cup their hands (right over left) and kiss his hand. You’re honouring Christ, whom he serves, not the man. A handshake is fine for visitors.
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Prayer ropes
Knotted woollen loops used to say the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” One knot, one prayer.