6. The narthex, the nave, the altar

If we were to peek through the window of an Orthodox church we would see that it is made up of three parts: the narthex (a place where, in olden times, the catechumens preparing for Baptism received instruction, and where the penitents who could not receive Holy Communion stood); the nave (the main body of the church); and the altar (the sanctuary). These three sections represent three ages in God’s plan of salvation for mankind. The narthex represents the time when man was under the law, the time of the commandments of Moses; the nave represents the grace of the time since our Lord Jesus Christ came to earth; and the altar represents heaven itself.

In front of the holy altar are the Royal Doors through which the King of Glory passes in the Holy Gifts (Holy Communion). The Royal Doors contain icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Annunciation and the four evangelists who herald the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God. The iconostasis is also sometimes decorated with images of wonderful flowers and plants which represent Paradise. Between the Royal Doors and the holy altar is the curtain on which is depicted the Cross, the symbol of our Savior Jesus Christ. The cross on the top of the Royal Doors stands at the center of all the church services. Another cross also rests on the altar, like a scepter, denoting the sovereignty and might of the Ruler of Heaven and Earth.