Interior (Church)

The Temple is usually built in the form of a ship (the ship of salvation), or of a cross (the emblem of salvation). The Temple is divided into four parts :

1. The Sanctuary (Altar), beyond the Image-screen (Ikonostas).

2. The prolongation of the Sanctuary platform outside the Image-screen, called the Solea, which consists of (a) the Amvon or Tribune, which is the portion immediately in front of the Holy Door, in the centre of the Screen, and (b) the railed Kliros, or places for the two choirs, on either side of the Amvon.

3. The Body of the church.

4. The Porch (Pritvor).

The Sanctuary must be built, except when that is impossible, at the eastern end of the church.

The Altar represents the throne of God in heaven, and the Lord God Almighty himself is present thereon. It also represents the tomb of Christ, since his Body is placed thereon.

The first covering of the Altar, the white linen Sratchitza, represents the winding-sheet in which the body of our Lord was wrapped. The upper Altar-cloth (Inditia), of rich and brilliant material, represents the glory of God's throne. Both cloths cover the Altar to the ground.

On the Altar is placed the Corporal (Antimins), a silken (formerly a linen) cloth, having upon it the representation of the Deposition of Christ in the tomb and the four Evangelists. This is spread out only in the Divine Liturgy, at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Faithful, and is folded up again as soon as that is finished. If any accident should happen to the holy Altar, the Holy Oblation can be made upon the Corporal alone, in an unconsecrated building or suitable place. In this Corporal (Antimins) or Vice-Altar, are placed relics of the Saints. Other relics are placed under and in the Altar itself, in a specially prepared coffer; because the blood of the Martyrs, after that of Christ himself, serves as the foundation of the Church. And also because, in the early days of Christianity, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the Catacombs, on the tombs of the Martyrs.

Under the Corporal, and upon the upper Altar-cloth is placed a square of fine linen or rich material called the Iliton, which symbolizes the swaddling-clothes wherein the Lord was wrapped after his birth ; and also the winding-sheet wherein his body was enveloped in the tomb, as the Altar represents the gravestone.

Behind the Altar a seven-branched candelabra is usually placed (seven being the customary sacred number) ; and, sometimes a large Cross, for carrying in processions. The Book of the Holy Gospels, being the Word of God, is laid upon the Altar, to denote that God himself is mystically present thereon ; and the Cross stands on the Altar as upon the place where is celebrated the unbloody sacrifice offered up to God.

As the Altar represents the sepulchre of the Lord, an Ark (Kovetcheg) is set thereon, being the Tabernacle in which are placed the Holy Gifts, the Body and Blood of Christ reserved for the sick, and (during the Great Fast — Lent) for the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

Upon the Altar is kept the Holy Chrism for Chrismation after Baptism. Tapers are placed upon the Altar to typify the light of Christ, which illumines the world; and, at Pontifical Services, the double and triple branched candlesticks {Dikiri & Trikiri) — representing, respectively, the dual nature of Christ (human and divine) and the Holy Trinity — wherewith the Bishop bestows his blessing on the people. It is strictly forbidden to place anything whatsoever on the Altar save the objects which are here enumerated. A sponge is usually placed beside the Corporal, for the more careful brushing off of the particles from the Paten into the Chalice. In some places a Canopy (Syfrt) is suspended over the Altar, to represent the heavens outspread above the earth, upon which was offered up the sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Behind the Altar is the High Place (Gdrnoye Myfctd), an elevation upon which stands the Bishop's throne. At certain times during the service the Bishop sits thereon, representing the King of Glory. On either side of the " High Place" are seats for those who celebrate with the Bishop, and represent the Apostles and their successors. At either side of the "High Place," during Pontifical services, are placed the Sacramental Fans {Ripidi), representing the six-winged Seraphim, with which the Holy Gifts are fanned ___ to keep away insects.

The Credence (Table of Oblation — Zhirtvennik) is in the northern part of the Sanctuary, and on it* the Holy Gifts are prepared for consecration.