iconostasis

Definition

A wall of icons between the sanctuary and the nave in an Eastern Orthodox church.

Etymology

Borrowed from Byzantine Greek εἰκονόστασις (eikonóstasis), from εἰκών (eikṓn, “icon”) + στάσις (stásis, “fixture”).

Example Sentences

• "The altar was hidden behind an Iconostasis. The church was looked after by an old sacristan who lived in a cottage on the shore of the lake."

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