The Iconostasis
Overview
The iconostasis in Orthodox churches is a sacred screen adorned with icons that separates the nave from the sanctuary, symbolically bridging heaven and earth. It reflects Christ Himself as the ultimate bridge, connecting humanity with God. The icons are not just decorative—they’re “windows into heaven”, inviting worshippers into divine mysteries and serving as a visual catechism of the Gospel and salvation history.
The iconostasis is structured in tiers, each with spiritual meaning. The Feast Tier portrays major events in Christ’s life; the Apostles Tier symbolizes the Church’s foundation. At the top is the Crucifixion, showing Christ’s redemptive victory (marked “NIKA,” meaning “Conqueror”), with Mary and John at His side. Beneath it, the Last Supper icon emphasizes the Eucharist as an eternal mystery, omitting Judas to highlight the need for a willing heart. These icons embody the paradox of crucifixion and resurrection, sacrifice and victory, and invite the faithful to become participants in the divine banquet.
Description
The iconostasis is a central and sacred architectural element in Orthodox churches. It is a structure adorned with icons that physically separates the nave (where the congregation stands) from the sanctuary (also known as the Holy of Holies, where the altar is located). Yet it does not merely divide—it unites. It is a bridge between the earthly and the heavenly, drawing the faithful into the mystery of God’s presence. Just as the ramp connected Noah’s Ark to the dry land of salvation, the iconostasis connects us to the promise of eternal life.
In a spiritual sense, Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate iconostasis—the true bridge between Heaven and Earth, the fulfillment of all the prophets, saints, and holy events depicted upon it.
The icons on the iconostasis offer a profound visual narration of sacred Scripture. They are not merely decorative or symbolic; they invite the faithful to behold, contemplate, and enter into the divine reality they represent. Icons are often called “windows into heaven” because they draw the heart beyond the image toward the eternal truths of God’s revelation. In this way, the iconostasis becomes a living catechism—a silent, yet powerful witness to the Incarnation, the Gospel, and the communion of saints.
The iconostasis is arranged in several tiers, each rich in spiritual meaning and theological depth. It is a visual proclamation of the Gospel, a symbolic and literal boundary between the visible and invisible realms.
Above the base tier are two prominent rows of icons: The second row (beneath the top) typically features major feast days of the Church or scenes from the life of Christ, such as the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Theophany, and the Crucifixion. These icons invite the faithful to contemplate the events of salvation history and their significance in the life of the Church and the soul. The top row, known as the Apostles Tier, displays icons of the twelve Apostles, representing the Church’s foundation and the continuation of its apostolic mission in the world.
At the summit of the iconostasis stands the icon of the Crucifixion—Christ raised on the Cross, flanked by the two thieves (Matthew 27:38). This sacred image anchors the faithful in the mystery of redemption, drawing hearts to the faith of the repentant thief who, in his final moments, recognized Christ as Lord and heard the promise: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Above Christ’s head is the inscription NIKA, a Greek word meaning “Conqueror,” emphasizing that He did not simply go to the Cross to die, but willingly laid down His life in order to rise again. Though commonly remembered by the Latin initials INRI—“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”—this depiction highlights Christ’s ultimate victory over death.
Standing beside Him are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Beloved, who remained faithfully at the foot of the Cross. Their presence is a moving reminder of the love and devotion that surrounded Christ even in His deepest suffering.
Although Christ bore wounds across His entire body, the purpose of Orthodox icons is not to depict His historical suffering, but to reveal His deified, resurrected body. These icons do more than portray the moment of crucifixion—they express the deeper meaning of being crucified. To be crucified, in this context, also means to be resurrected.
Beneath the Crucifixion icon is the icon of the Last Supper. At the center of this image is Christ, seated—according to the custom of His time—breaking bread with His disciples. His posture is significant: He is not merely sharing a meal, but offering Himself as the acceptable and eternal sacrifice, fulfilling the words of Hebrews 7:27. The table is depicted as an altar, and Christ as the Great High Priest, preparing to give His Body and Blood for the life of the world.
One striking feature of this icon is the absence of Judas. While Judas was historically present at the Last Supper, his omission in the icon is not accidental—it is theological. The icon does not seek to capture a single historical moment, but to reveal the eternal reality of the Mystical Supper, which the Church continues to celebrate in every Divine Liturgy and which finds its fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. Judas, having turned away from Christ, departed before the Eucharist was instituted. His absence reminds us that participation in the heavenly banquet requires a willing heart. The icon offers more than memory; it invites the faithful into a perpetual and living mystery—a foretaste of Paradise.
Some translations tell us that Jesus was “reclined” at the table—a detail that speaks to His humility. In the act of reclining, Christ stoops to our level. Through the Incarnation, He lowers Himself to dwell among us. In this icon, we see not only the physical breaking of bread, but the self-emptying of the Word made flesh. Christ breaks Himself—physically and spiritually—for the salvation of the world.
Ultimately, this icon speaks to the viewer who stands directly opposite Christ. It is Christ who offers Himself, and it is the viewer who is invited to respond. Each person is called to become a participant in this sacred banquet, to offer their love in return to Love Himself—to join in the eternal feast prepared from the foundation of the world.
Citations
Coptic Icon. “the iconostasis.” CopticIcon.net, https://www.copticicon.com/iconostasis.
Holy Cross Coptic Orthodox Church. “Explaining the Iconostasis and Apse of Holy Cross w/ Fadi Mikhail of UK CopticIcons.” YouTube, 24 Nov. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgWU5xrgmn0