iconostasis

American  

[ahy-kuh-nos-tuh-sis] / ˌaɪ kəˈnɒs tə sɪs /

Also iconostas

noun

Eastern Church.

iconostases plural

1. a partition or screen on which icons are placed, separating the sanctuary from the main part of the church.

---

iconostasis British  

/ aɪˈkɒnəˌstæs, ˌaɪkəʊˈnɒstəsɪs /

noun

1. Eastern Churches a screen with doors and icons set in tiers, which separates the bema (sanctuary) from the nave

---

Etymology

Origin of iconostasis

From Medieval Greek, dating back to 1825–35; see origin at icono-, stasis

Example Sentences

These include an "elaborate" baldacchino, a metal canopy over the altar, and an iconostasis.

From BBC • May 10, 2023

The artifacts originally stood in the central gateway of the iconostasis — the ornately decorated screen that separates the sanctuary from the rest of an Orthodox church — of Saint Anastasios in Peristeronopigi village.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2021

An icon of St. Nicholas also hangs on the iconostasis.

From Washington Times • Oct. 14, 2018

That was when the monastery’s original iconostasis was destroyed, its cathedral, like so many others in Russia, turned into a warehouse.

From New York Times • Aug. 31, 2012

It was for her that the gold iconostasis shone brightly, and these candles in the church-lustre burned; for her were the joyful chants: "Be happy, man; it is the Lord's Easter."

From The Awakening The Resurrection by Tolstoy, Leo, graf