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Cover

The Name of the Church

The Historical Development of the Church

The Faith of the Church

The Creed

The Mysteries of the Church

The Worship of the Church

Other Sacraments

Traditional Practices

A Church of Saints and Holy Fathers

Icon Screen

The Sign of the Cross

How to Make the Sign of the Cross

The Use of Candles

Holy Communion

Receiving Antidoron (Blessed Bread)

Selected Bibliography

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The Greek Orthodox Church: A Manual for Converts

Icon Screen
(Iconostasion)

A wall of icons (called an Icon Screen) separates the area of the Sanctuary from the nave of the church. These holy icons are put there to remind us that we are always in the presence of holy persons; and, likewise, to constantly remind us that they too are part of our human family. In Saints Constantine and Helen parish, the Icon Screen is comprised of the following icons: - the top tier, which contains twelve small icons depicting the twelve major holidays of the Orthodox Church. - the bottom tier, which contains six large icons. Facing the Icon Screen, from left to right, they are the following: - St. George the Great Martyr - Saints Constantine and Helen - The Virgin Mary - Jesus Christ the Teacher - St. John the Baptist - St. Demetrios the Wonder Workers Between icons 1 and 2 there is a door through which all processions emanate. Upon this door is depicted the icon of the Archangel Gabriel. He is put there to remind us that it was he who brought the message of mankind's salvation to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord. Between icons 3 and 4 there is a lame middle door, called the Royal Gate (and sometimes, The Beautiful Gate). This door is used only by the clergy. Between icons 5 and 6 there is another door through which the processions pass when reentering the Sanctuary. Upon this door is depicted the icon of the Archangel Michael. The Old Testament tells us that he stands guard outside the crates of Paradise. Thus, this door indicates that, when we enter the Sanctuary (Holy Altar), it is as though we are entering Paradise. Some churches may have less icons than those listed above, some more. However, every church retains at least 4 "basic" icons: Jesus Christ the Teacher, the Virgin Mary , St. John the Baptist, and the icon of that particular church's patron saint (or feast day). In all Orthodox Churches these 4 "basic" icons are always found in the same order: Christ and St. John the Baptist; Virgin Mary and the patron saint (or feast day). The right and left doors also contain the same icons: Michael and Gabriel.

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Rev. Demetrios A. Recachinas, Protopresbyter

Booklet & Web Version Designed by:
Vicky Andriotis


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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 4070 Park Avenue Bridgeport CT 06604 Church Phone (203) 374-5561 Church Fax (203) 374-5770 E-mail: fatherdemetrios@