The Iconostasis

In previous posts we have seen photos of the interior of our church dating from when we first purchased it from the Lutherans who had occupied it as St. Mark's, and who had moved to a new site in the suburbs. It was a typical Protestant setting, with largely bare walls, a pulpit for the minister, a choir loft and so forth. Naturally enough, an Orthodox church building needs to meet the requirements of Orthodox worship. One of the most significant needs in converting this space into one fitting for Orthodox worship was to have an "iconostasis." 

The iconostasis can be thought of as a line that separates the nave, where the worshipers stand, representing the human world, and the sanctuary, representing the divine world, where the altar is, and where the priest celebrates the Eucharist. An iconostasis can take a variety of forms. It can be literally a wall, with doors set into it, as ours is. It can also be represented by sections of stands or in other ways, but the common purpose is to separate the two areas, and to allow for presentation of icons.

Our iconostasis, shown above in a recent photo, was designed by parishioner Samuel Milley and built in the basement in sections by a group of parishioners, including a young Steve Merowsky Jr. and his father. It was assembled and set into place in late 1967 or early 1968. The center doors, or "Royal Doors," were a gift to this parish from St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Mayfield PA, the home parish of founders like the Wargo family, the Staschak family, Tatiana Sweda and others. It is a lovely, traditional style iconostasis, on which one will find those icons common to Orthodox believers and worship.

Icons are of course another vital element in Orthodox worship, and perhaps one familiar to those who otherwise are largely unfamiliar with Orthodoxy. Icons in Orthodox understanding are not simply "pictures." They are a spiritual device that allows one a certain window on the world beyond. They are not worshiped, but rather serve to facilitate our worship and prayer.

On the left is a 1960s photo of the icon found above and centered behind the iconostasis, that of the "Theotokos," or "God bearer," the Virgin Mary, flanked by two angels. This icon of the Theotokos is a very traditional style icon done after the iconostasis was put into place. It is the work of James McKean, a parishioner at the time, and was hung on the wall by George Kuyon and Walter Kisel. George recalls that it was quite a challenge to mount and center this large, and heavy icon, (it is painted on masonite,) while he and Walter were balancing on two long extension ladders! Below is a 1960s photo of the icon, notice the walls are blue and the angels have not yet been done.