An iconostasis is a screen or partition, often adorned with icons, that separates the nave from the sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic churches. The word “iconostasis” comes from the Greek words “eikon” (icon) and “stasis” (standing or placement), literally meaning “icon stand.” It serves as a physical and symbolic barrier between the congregation and the holy altar, where the sacraments are consecrated.

Expanded Historical Context

The iconostasis has its roots in early Christian worship practices. Initially, Christian churches had a simple barrier, such as a curtain, separating the altar from the congregation. This practice mirrored the Jewish temple, where a veil separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple (Exodus 26:31-33). Over time, the barrier evolved into a more permanent structure, and by the 6th century, the iconostasis began to take on its recognizable form with rows of icons.

Influence of Iconoclasm

The development of the iconostasis was significantly shaped by the Iconoclast Controversy of the 8th and 9th centuries. During this period, there was intense debate over the use and veneration of icons, with some arguing that icons were a form of idolatry. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea in 787, played a pivotal role in resolving this controversy by affirming the veneration of icons as a legitimate practice within Christianity. This decision reinforced the importance of icons in worship and contributed to the prominence of the iconostasis in Eastern Christian architecture.

Connection to Early Christian Worship

The early Christian Church placed a strong emphasis on the separation between the sacred and the profane. The synaxis, or public gathering, was distinct from the Eucharistic rites, which were considered the most sacred part of the liturgy. As the Church grew and formalized its practices, this separation became more pronounced, leading to the development of architectural features like the iconostasis to demarcate the holy space of the altar.

Deeper Theological Discussion

Theologically, the iconostasis represents the separation between the earthly and the heavenly realms, a concept deeply rooted in biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, the Holy of Holies in the temple was separated by a veil, which only the high priest could enter once a year (Hebrews 9:3-7). The iconostasis serves a similar purpose, symbolizing the mystery of God’s presence and the sanctity of the altar where the Eucharist is consecrated.

However, the iconostasis is also a reminder of the incarnation of Christ, who bridges the gap between heaven and earth. The icons on the screen depict Christ, the Theotokos (Mother of God), and various saints, visually conveying the reality of God’s presence among His people. The central Royal Doors of the iconostasis represent the opening of the heavens through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection, allowing the faithful to enter into the mystery of God’s salvation.

Iconography and Theology

Icons are not merely decorative art; they are considered windows to the divine. The veneration of icons, as affirmed by the Second Council of Nicaea, is based on the belief that the honor given to the image passes to its prototype. Thus, when the faithful venerate an icon of Christ, they are honoring Christ Himself, not the material image. This understanding is foundational to the theology of the iconostasis, where icons serve as a visual representation of the heavenly realm and the communion of saints.  However, most Protestants don’t believe that the dead can hear our prayers and that Jesus Christ is the only intercessor on our behalf.

Comparative Theology

In Western Christianity, particularly during the medieval period, the rood screen served a similar function to the iconostasis, separating the nave from the chancel. However, after the Protestant Reformation, such barriers were largely removed from churches in the West, reflecting the Reformation’s emphasis on direct access to God. The iconostasis, however, remained a central feature in Eastern Christianity, reflecting a different theological and liturgical emphasis.

Liturgical Function

During the Divine Liturgy, the iconostasis plays a central role. The opening and closing of the Royal Doors symbolize the revelation and concealment of divine mysteries. When the doors are opened, it represents Christ’s entry into the world and His ongoing presence in the Church. The icons themselves serve as visual aids to the liturgy, reminding the faithful of the presence of Christ, the Theotokos, and the saints during worship.

Additional Biblical References

While the Bible does not directly reference the iconostasis, its symbolism is deeply rooted in biblical concepts. The separation of the holy place in the temple by a veil is a clear precursor to the idea of a barrier between the sacred and the secular. In the New Testament, the tearing of the temple veil at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, a theme that the iconostasis both embraces and transcends.

Typological Connections

The iconostasis can also be seen as a type of the temple veil, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. Just as the veil was a symbol of the separation between God and man, the iconostasis represents the mystery of the divine presence. However, through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection, this separation has been overcome, as symbolized by the opening of the Royal Doors during the liturgy.

New Testament References

The idea of approaching the holy place through the blood of Christ is a theme in the New Testament that resonates with the symbolism of the iconostasis. Hebrews 10:19-22 speaks of entering the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, a passage that reflects the theological significance of the iconostasis in separating the holy from the common, while also inviting the faithful to approach the divine with reverence.

Protestant Perspective and Criticism

From a Protestant perspective, the iconostasis, like other aspects of icon veneration, is often viewed with skepticism. The Protestant Reformation emphasized the direct access of believers to God without the need for mediating images or clergy, which led to the removal of such screens and icons in Protestant worship spaces. The concern is that the iconostasis, and icon veneration in general, can lead to idolatry or the worship of images rather than God Himself.

Augustine, Luther, and Calvin on Icons

Augustine

Augustine of Hippo (354-430) is one of the most influential early Church Fathers whose writings have shaped Western Christian thought. Although Augustine did not directly address the concept of an iconostasis, his views on images are significant. Augustine was cautious about the use of images in worship, emphasizing that while they could be helpful as didactic tools, there was a danger of them becoming objects of worship themselves. He warned that images should not be adored or worshipped, aligning with the conservative view that true worship is directed to God alone (Exodus 20:4-5). Augustine’s caution reflects the broader biblical principle of avoiding idolatry, which has influenced conservative Christian views on the use of icons.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546), the German reformer, was critical of the use of images in the church, particularly when they were venerated in a way that he believed detracted from the worship of God. Luther argued that faith comes from hearing the Word of God, not from visual representations (Romans 10:17). However, Luther did not advocate for the complete removal of images from churches. He believed they could be used for educational purposes, provided they did not lead to superstition or idolatry. Luther’s stance reflects a conservative theological perspective that prioritizes the Word of God over visual elements in worship, aligning with the biblical teaching that God should be worshipped in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

John Calvin

John Calvin (1509-1564), the French reformer, took a stronger stance against the use of images in worship. Calvin believed that any use of images in a religious context could easily lead to idolatry, which he saw as a violation of the Second Commandment (Exodus 20:4-5). In his Institutes of the Christian Religion, Calvin argued that the human heart is a “factory of idols” and that the use of images in worship could corrupt pure worship of God. Calvin’s views have had a profound influence on Reformed theology, where the emphasis is on the preaching of the Word and the avoidance of anything that could distract from God’s glory. His conservative perspective is deeply rooted in a biblical understanding of worship, which calls for the exclusive devotion of the heart to God alone.

Response to Criticism

Eastern Orthodox theologians respond to Protestant criticisms by emphasizing the distinction between veneration (proskynesis) and worship (latreia). Veneration is an act of honor given to the saints and their images, while worship is reserved for God alone. This distinction is crucial in Orthodox theology and is seen as a safeguard against idolatry. Icons, and by extension the iconostasis, are understood to be tools for worship, not objects of worship themselves. However, from a conservative biblical standpoint, the cautionary stance taken by Augustine, Luther, and Calvin reflects a commitment to maintaining the purity of worship as outlined in Scripture.

Practical Implications for Worship and Devotion

For many Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians, the iconostasis remains an essential part of worship, serving as a focal point for prayer and devotion. It is a reminder of the mystery and holiness of God, calling the faithful to approach the sacraments with reverence.

Application in Eastern Orthodox Devotion

In the daily life of the Church, the iconostasis is more than just a physical barrier; it is a spiritual threshold. The faithful often venerate the icons on the iconostasis before or after the liturgy, asking for the intercession of the saints depicted. The iconostasis also serves as a visual representation of the Church’s belief in the communion of saints, reminding believers that they are part of a larger, heavenly community.

Modern Relevance

For Christians from other traditions, while the iconostasis itself may not be a part of worship, the principles it embodies—such as the holiness of God, the veneration of Christ, and the communion of saints—are universal themes that resonate across denominational lines. The iconostasis can inspire a deeper appreciation for the sacred in Christian worship, encouraging believers to approach God with awe and reverence. Some may even draw inspiration from the iconostasis in creating sacred spaces within their own homes, using religious art to focus their devotion and prayer.

Broader Thematic Connections

The iconostasis is deeply connected to the broader themes of incarnation, holiness, and the Church’s role as the body of Christ. It serves as a visual and symbolic representation of these theological truths, reinforcing the Church’s teaching on the relationship between the divine and the human.

Connection to the Incarnation

The iconostasis reflects the theology of the incarnation, where the physical world becomes a means of encountering the divine. The icons on the iconostasis are not just images but are seen as participating in the reality they depict. This incarnational theology is central to the Eastern Orthodox understanding of the sacraments, where physical elements like bread, wine, water, and oil become vehicles of divine grace.

Ecclesiological Significance

The iconostasis also symbolizes the Church as the body of Christ, with the icons representing the unity of the Church in heaven and on earth. The depiction of the saints on the iconostasis serves as a reminder that the Church is a communion of believers, both living and departed, who are united in Christ. This understanding of the Church as a mystical body is a key aspect of Orthodox theology and is visually represented in the iconostasis.

Legacy and Influence

The iconostasis has had a significant influence on Christian art, architecture, and spirituality, particularly in the Eastern Christian tradition. Its legacy can be seen in the development of church architecture, the use of religious art in worship, and the emphasis on the sacred in Christian life.

Influence on Church Architecture

The iconostasis has influenced church architecture not only in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions but also in Western Christian traditions, particularly before the Reformation. However, from a conservative theological perspective, the use of the iconostasis must be weighed against the biblical mandate to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24), avoiding any practices that could lead to idolatry or detract from the centrality of Christ in worship.