Iconostasis (also icon screen) is a screen or wall which serves as a stable support for icons. There has been historically and continues to be a vast range of styles for iconostases: Some are simply two icons of the Theotokos and the Lord; the most complex, cathedral icon screens have multiple tiers with many icons per tier. The iconostasis is perhaps the most distintive feature of Byzantine rite churches.
A Typical Layout
Though icon screens vary in size, shape and number of icons, there are some general patterns when designing the layout of an iconostasis.
- An icon of the Theotokos with the Lord. This indicates the beginning of the end of time, the time of our salvation.
- An icon of The Lord, usually as All-ruler (Pantocrator), the just judge of all our works. This indicates the end of all time, the awesome day of judgment.
- Icon of Saint John, the Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptizer of the Lord.
- Icon of the patron of the temple, or of its patronal feast.
- The holy doors (or the Royal Doors). These usually are a diptych of the Annunciation. Sometimes they may also have the icons of the four evangelists.
- North door (the north and south doors are often called "deacon's doors"). This will usually depict a deacon, usually St. Stephen the Protomartyr, or an archangel, usually St. Michael.
- South door. The same as above, though if a deacon is depicted, it is usually St. Philip, and if an archangel, usually St. Gabriel.
- These icons (when present) are usually saints especially near to a parish or nation, such as Ss. Nicholas, Sergius of Radonezh, Andrew the First-called, Herman of Alaska, or Seraphim of Sarov.
- This is usually the icon of the Mystical Supper, the last supper our Lord ate with his friends and wherein he instituted the Eucharist.
If there is a second tier, it will usually contain icons of the Twelve Great Feasts. Other tiers will depict the patriarchs, prophets and apostles.