Iconostases

In Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Sanctuary, together with the prothesis and vestry is divided from the worshippers by a screen called an iconostas  which is adorned with icons or sacred images. The Greek word for iconostas (iconostasis), means “image stand.” The iconostas has three doors; the central one called the “Royal Gates” is always elaborately carved as this is the door through which Christ, The King of Glory, passes through during the Eucharist. The side doors are called deacon doors and usually bear a door-sized icon.

The images on an iconostas bring to the worshippers a visual reminder of the history and tenants of the Christian Church. Thus, in years past when people were largely illiterate, the complex of icons was an invaluable tool in transmitting the Christian story.

As a graduate of the Kyiv State Art Institute, Faculty of Architecture, George Kodak’s artistic talents were well honed. These he applied to the designs of several iconostases, shaping them in the detailed, ornamental baroque style. Expressed in the wooden structures, are ornamentation of religious themes such as grapes and vines, angels and cherubins. Stars and sun-bursts represent light as in, “I am the Light of the World.” Braided columns and sheafs of wheat represent bread and Christ’s words, “I am the Bread of Life.”