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I am a convert to the Roman Catholic Church but am seriously considering moving to the Byzantine Rite. I have several questions, but one being this. In the Gospels we read that when Christ gave up his spirit the Temple veil was torn in two. Whay then the Icon screen? Why seperate what Christ has open to us with his death? I am sure that there is a good explanation on this, I would just like to hear it. Thank you in advance to any replies.

The tearing of the temple veil represents the end of our separation from God. We stand, however, on earth awaiting the completion of our salvation. The iconostasis reminds us that there is still much that separates us from God.

In the Liturgy our theology teaches that heaven and earth touch. The "holy place" behind the iconostasis represents heaven while the nave represents the earth. While we are on earth we can have glimpses of heaven, but we are not yet there.

I hope this helps.

Edward, deacon and sinner

Dear Friend,

The veil of the Temple was torn, just like the Cloak of Elias, but it was not destroyed.

The early Churches in the Near and Middle East always had a Veil for the reasons described by the Reverend Father Deacon.

For me, the iconostasis (which was, at one time, universal in the Church) and the Veil also represent the Mystery of God's Awesome Presence.

Liturgically, the doors and the veil are opened and closed to signify Christ's private life and His public teaching and miracles.

Alex

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!
GLORY TO HIM FOREVER!

I've also been told that the iconostas represents a bridge. The santuary and the tabernacle are in "heaven" while the people are on "earth". The only way for the people of earth to get to heaven is for them to use the "bridge" by following the teachings of Christ and to model their lives after the lives of the saints depicted on the iconostas.

the least servant
mark

Dear Medved,

There was a priest in our parish who once described the icons of the Theotokos and of Christ on either side of the Royal Doors as depicting the First and Second Coming of Christ.

Our lives are lived in between, represented by the Royal Doors, the Gateway to the Eucharist, the Kingdom of the Father Son and Holy Spirit. The doors themselves represent the Mother of God, the Portal of Heaven.

What do I know?

Alex

I would love if we Latin / Petrine Catholics could have the rood screens returned with icons and also with statues and reliefs. Often the liturgists want to move the altar forward with the pews around it in a circle. I don't think there is any historical evidence for a church in the round.

Alexius,

Actually, there is. The ruins of a church found in Durauropa has a church in the "half-round" in which the altar was placed 1/3 way toward the center of the building. This allowed for the diaconium and presbyterium to be behind and on the sides while the people were also able to come near the sides. Both the icon screen and the rood screen are later developments.

Edward, deacon and sinner

Dear Alexius,

I share your sentiments, you Petrine Catholic, you .

There is something majestic and awe-inspiring about a properly executed Rood Screen/Iconostasis.

Orthodox priests used to carry "portable iconostases" with them for liturgies at those hard to get to places.

I have one at home myself. The Russians developed the idea of a chapel where only the Hours are sung and this was called the "Chasovnia."

The iconostases in these are actually hung on the Eastern wall, since there is no altar.

God bless,

Alex (Andrean Catholic)