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{{Short description|Type of church building}}
[[Image:Orthodox-Church-interior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An illustrated layout of the traditional interior of an Eastern Orthodox church]]
{{Eastern Orthodox sidebar|expanded=other}}
'''Eastern Orthodox church architecture''' constitutes a distinct, recognizable family of styles among [[church architecture]]s. These styles share a cluster of fundamental similarities, having been influenced by the common legacy of [[Byzantine architecture]] from the [[Eastern Roman Empire]]. Some of the styles have become associated with the particular traditions of one specific [[Autocephaly|autocephalous]] [[Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] [[patriarchate]], whereas others are more widely used within the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]].
 
These [[architectural style]]s have held substantial influence over cultures outside Eastern Orthodoxy; particularly in the architecture of [[mosque|Islamic mosques]],<ref>{{cite book | title=Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and the Middle East | editor=Stokes, James | publisher=Infobase Publishing | year=2009 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=stl97FdyRswC| page=528| isbn=9781438126760 }}</ref> but also to some degree in [[Western Christianity|Western churches]].
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While sharing many traditions, [[Eastern Christianity]] and [[Western Christianity]] began to diverge from each other from an early date. Whereas the [[basilica]], a long aisled hall with an apse at one end, was the most common form in the West, a more compact centralised style became predominant in the East.
 
These churches were in origin "martyria" focused on the tombs of the [[saint]]s—specifically, the [[martyr]]s who had died during the persecutions of Christians, which only fully ended with the conversion of the [[Emperor Constantine]] (AD 337). They copiedare [[pagan]] tombs and wereusually roofed over by a dome which symbolised [[heaven]]. The central dome was then often surrounded by structures at the four points of the compass producing a cruciform shape - theseshape—these were themselves often topped by towers or domes. The centralised and basilica structures were sometimes combined as in the church of [[Hagia Sophia]] in [[Constantinople]] (construction began in AD 360). The basilican east end then allowed for the erection of an [[iconostasis]], a screen on which icons are hung and which conceals the [[altar]] from the worshippers except at those points in the liturgy when its doors are opened.
 
A variant form of the centralised church was developed in Russia and came to prominence in the 16th century. Here the dome was replaced by a much thinner and taller hipped or conical roof which, it is said, originated from the need to prevent [[snow]] from remaining on roofs. One of the finest examples of these [[tented church]]es is St. Basil's in [[Red Square]] in [[Moscow]].
 
For a long time, the art of [[architecture]] was primarily concerned with the design of churches and aristocratic [[palace]]s, therefore the evolution of Orthodox churches represents a major part of the history of [[Byzantine architecture]] and [[Russian architecture]]. More detailed information is presented in those articles.
 
Unlike [[Western Christianity|Western Christian]] architecture with its tendencies oftoward modernity (see, e.g., [[Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral]] or [[Notre Dame du Haut]]), Orthodox architectural style remains largely conservative and traditional. One notable and architecturally important exception is [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]'s design of [[Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church]] in [[Wauwatosa, Wisconsin|Wauwatosa]], [[Wisconsin]], in the United States.
 
The [[Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity]] on New York City's [[Upper East Side]] is the largest Orthodox Christian church in the [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref name=google1>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_F5yntZocGIC&pg=PA147|title=The Orthodox Church: Student Edition|author=Thomas E. Fitzgerald|publisher=Praeger|page=147|year=1998|isbn=0-313-26281-0|issn=0193-6883|lccn=94-21685}}</ref>
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[[File:St Andrew of Patras Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Patras, Greece.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Saint Andrew of Patras|St. Andrew of Patras Greek Orthodox Cathedral]] in Patras, Greece]]
[[Image:CerkiewStDuchaBialystok.JPG|right|thumb|200px|The [[Postmodern architecture|Postmodern]] Church of the Holy Spirit in [[Bialystok]] is the largest Orthodox house of worship in all of [[Poland]].]]
In the [[Russian language]] (similar to other [[East Slavic languages]]) a general-purpose word for "church" is ''tserkov'' (церковь). When spoken in an exalted sense, the term ''khram'' (Храм), "[[temple]]", is used to refer to the church building as a Temple of [[God]] ''Khram Bozhy'' (Храм Божий). The words "church" and "temple", in this case are interchangeable; however, the term “church”"church” ({{lang-langx|el|εκκλησία}}) is far more common in English. The term "temple" ({{lang-langx|el|ναός}}) is also commonly applied to larger churches. Some famous churches which are occasionally referred to as temples include [[Hagia Sophia]], [[Saint Basil's Cathedral]], the [[Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (Moscow)|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour]], and the [[Temple of Saint Sava]].
 
Some churches have a special status and are referred to as ''sobor'' (or ''soborny khram'', cоборный храм), from the [[Old Russian]] word for "gathering" (see [[Synod#Orthodox usage|sobor]] for other meanings). In Greek, [[Episcopal see|diocesan sees]] are referred to as καθεδρικός ναός. In Russian, a [[cathedral]] is a "sobor" (Russian: кафедральный собор, ''kafedralny sobor''). The seat of the [[Patriarchpatriarch]] is called a "patriarchal sobor" (Патриарший собор, ''Patriarshiy sobor''). The main church of a [[monastery]] may also be called a "sobor". If a [[bishop]] builds a new sobor for his [[cathedra]], the old church retains its status of a sobor. The status of sobor may be assigned only by the Patriarchpatriarch.
 
The major church in a monastery is called a [[Katholikon|catholicon]], and may be reserved for major services, lesser services being celebrated in other churches in the monastery.
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*[[Rotunda (architecture)#Religious buildings|Circular]]
 
The [[cupola]] instead of a flat [[ceiling]] symbolizes the sky. In Russian churches, cupolas are often topped by onion-shaped domes, where crosses are mounted. These domes are called "heads" (глава) or "[[Poppy (flower)|poppy]] heads" (маковица, маковка). Sometimes crosses have a [[crescent]]-like shape at the bottom, which contrary to the common misconception, has no relation either to Islam, or to a Christian victory over the Muslims. The crescent moon was one of the state symbols of [[Byzantium]] that predated the Ottoman conquests. The crescent moon found on Old Russian icons, vestments, and book miniatures refers to the moon as the symbol of anchor, the symbol of salvation, concordant with the symbolism of the Churchchurch as a ship.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Alfeyev|first1=Metropolitan Hilarion|title=Orthodox Christianity Vol. III, The Architecture, Icons, and Music of the Orthodox Church|pages=57}}</ref>
 
The [[altar]] (sanctuary) is situated in the eastern part of the church, regardless of its shape. A [[bell tower]] is attached to (or built separately by) the western part of the church.
 
The church building has many symbolic meanings; perhaps the oldest and most prominent is the concept that the Churchchurch is the Ark of Salvation (as in [[Noah's Ark]]) in which the world is saved from the flood of temptations. Because of this, most [[Orthodoxy|Orthodox Churcheschurches]] are rectangular in design. Another popular shape, especially for churches with large choirs is [[cruciform]] or cross-shaped. Architectural patterns may vary in shape and complexity, with [[chapel]]s sometimes added around the main church, or triple altars (Liturgy may only be performed once a day on any particular altar), but in general, the symbolic layout of the church remains the same.
 
The Churchchurch building is divided into three main parts: the [[narthex]] ([[Vestibule (Architecture)|vestibule]]), the [[nave]] (the temple proper) and the [[sanctuary]] (also called the ''[[altar]]'' or ''holy place'').
 
A major difference of traditional Orthodox churches from Western churches is the absence of any [[pew]]s in the nave. In some ethnic traditions of Orthodoxy, it was deemed disrespectful to sit during sermons. However, in some churches in the West and particularly in the diaspora churches in the United States, pews and [[kneeler]]s were introduced, under the influence of other Christian denominations.
 
===Narthex===
The [[narthex]] is the connection between the Churchchurch and the outside world and for this reason [[catechumen]]s (pre-baptized Orthodox) and non-Orthodox are to stand here (note: the tradition of allowing only confirmed Orthodox into the nave of the church has for the most part fallen into disuse). In [[monastery|monastic churches]], it is usual for the lay people visiting the monastery to stand in the narthex while the monks or nuns stand in the nave. Separating the narthex from the nave are the [[Royal Doors]] (either because Christ passes through them in the liturgy, or from the time of the [[Byzantine Empire]], when the emperor would enter the main body of [[Hagia Sophia]], the Church of Holy Wisdom, through these doors and proceed up to the altar to partake of the Eucharist). On either side of this portal are large brass candlestands called ''menalia'' which represent the pillars of fire which went before the Hebrews into the promised land.
 
===Nave===
[[File:Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 071215.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A view of the [[nave]] in the Russian [[Holy Trinity Cathedral (Chicago, Illinois)|Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity]] in [[Chicago]] (designed by [[Louis Sullivan]])]]
The [[nave]] is the main body of the church where the people stand during the services.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.themoscownews.com/local/20130304/191296031/A-guide-to-the-interior-of-a-Russian-Orthodox-church.html|author=Joy Neumeyer|title=A guide to the interior of a Russian Orthodox church|work=[[The Moscow Times]]|date=March 4, 2013|accessdateaccess-date=March 5, 2013|archivedatearchive-date=April 24, 2013|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424141441/http://www.themoscownews.com/local/20130304/191296031/A-guide-to-the-interior-of-a-Russian-Orthodox-church.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In most traditional Eastern Orthodox churches there are no seats or pews as in the West, but rather ''stacidia'' (A high-armed chair with arm rests high enough to be used for support while standing); these are usually found along the walls. Traditionally there is no sitting during services with the only exceptions being during the reading of the [[Psalms]], and the priest's sermon. The people stand before God. However, many exceptions to this can be found in westernWestern countries, especially the USAUnited States, where familiarity with [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] and [[Protestantism|Protestant]] churches has led to similarities in church furnishings. It is not uncommon to encounter both [[pew]]s and [[kneeler]]s.
 
In some more traditional churches, mostly in Greece, a special chandelier known as a [[polyeleos]] can be found. This chandelier is usually adorned with candles and icons and is pushed to swing during its respective service.
This chandelier is usually adorned with candles and icons, and pushed to swing during its respective service.
 
The walls are normally covered from floor to ceiling with icons or wall paintings of saints, their lives, and stories from the Bible. Because the church building is a direct extension of its Jewish roots where men and women stand separately, the Orthodox Churchchurch continues this practice, with men standing on the right and women on the left. With this arrangement it is emphasized that we are all equal before God (equal distance from the altar), and that the man is not superior to the woman. In many modern churches this traditional practice has been altered and families stand together.
 
Above the nave in the dome of the church is the icon of Christ the Almighty (''Παντοκρατωρ/[[Christ Pantocrator|Pantokrator]]'', "Ruler of All"). Directly hanging below the dome (In more traditional churches) is usually a kind of circular chandelier with depictions of the saints and apostles, called the ''horos'', which is the same as the polyeleos mentioned above.
 
The Navenave of an Orthodox Churchchurch can vary in shape/size &and layout according to the various traditions within the Church. The two most common layouts inside Orthodox Churcheschurches since Justinian have been a cruciform layout, an open square/rectangular layout, or a more linear layout with side-aisles. However, the latter of which has fallen out of use since the Great Schism, as it was more widely used in Western Churcheschurches and better suited the services celebrated in them than in Eastern Rite churches. The two former layouts, the open square (or rarely, circular) and the cruciform have been found best suited to celebration of the Divine Liturgy. These two interior layouts tend to be square/circular in form rather than elongated.
The two former layouts, the open square (or rarely, circular) and the cruciform have been found best suited to celebration of the Divine Liturgy. These two interior layouts tend to be square/circular in form rather than elongated.
 
The cruciform is the oldest of the two interior layouts and seems to be of Byzantine origin. It comes from the adaptation of two of the earliest Christian architectural forms, the [[Basilicabasilica]] and the octagonal/circular form. The [[Cruciform#Cruciform architectural plan|cruciform church]] often includes side-aisles similar to the Western Basilicabasilica, but they are often very short and cut open in the middle, leaving a large cross shape through the middle of the church. The open square/circle is the newer of the two forms. It is most commonly found in Eastern European churches and more modern Greek churches. This church retains the earlier square/circular shape; however, the side-aisles have been removed, thus opening the space completely. This has found wider use across the world in more recent years with the invention of steel, as it allows for the dome to be supported without the need for massive arches and columns which were main features of the older cruciform churches.
The open square/circle is the newer of the two forms. It is most commonly found in Eastern European churches & more modern Greek churches. This church retains the earlier square/circular shape, however the side-aisles have been removed opening the space completely. This has found wider use across the world in more recent years with the invention of steel, as it allows for the dome to be supported without the need for massive arches and columns which were main features of the older cruciform churches.
 
===Iconostasis===
{{main|Iconostasis}}
[[Image:Shukhvostov.jpg|thumb|200px|left|A depiction of the front of an [[iconostasis]] from Stepan Shukhvostov's ''Church of St. Alexis in the Chudov Monastery of the Moscow Kremlin'']]
The iconostasis, also called the ''τεμπλον/templon'', it is a screen or wall between the nave and the sanctuary, which is covered with icons. There will normally be three doors, one in the middle and one on either side. The central one is traditionally called the ''Beautiful Gate'' or ''[[Royal Doors]]'' (either because Christ passes through them in the liturgy, or from the time of the [[Byzantine Empire]], when the emperor would enter the main body of [[Hagia Sophia]], the Church of Holy Wisdom, through these doors and isproceed up to the altar to partake of the Eucharist). On either side of this portal are large brass candlestands called ''menalia'' which represent the pillars of fire which went before the Hebrews into the promised land. Royal doors are only used by the clergy. There are times when this gate is closed during the service and a curtain is drawn. The doors on either side are called the ''Deacons' Doors'' or ''Angel Doors'' as they often have depicted on them the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. These doors are used by deacons and servers to enter the sanctuary.
 
[[File:Ipatios monastery Kostroma 13.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Mid-17th-century iconostasis at [[Ipatiev Monastery]]. To either side of the [[Holy Doors]] are [[Christ Pantokrator]] and the [[Theotokos]]; above them, the [[Great Feasts]]; above them, the [[Deesis]]; above that [[Prophet]]s to either side of [[Our Lady of the Sign]]; above them the [[Twelve apostles|Apostles]] to either side of the [[Holy Trinity]].]]
Typically, to the right of the Beautiful Gate (as viewed from the nave) is the icon of Christ, then the icon of St. [[John the Baptist]]; to the left the icon of the [[Theotokos]], always shown holding Christ; and then the icon of the saint to whom the church is dedicated (i.e., the patron). There are often other icons on the iconostasis, but these vary from church to church. The curtain is also drawn and opened at various points in the service.
 
===Sanctuary===
The area behind the iconostasis reached through the Beautiful Gates or Angel Doors is the ''[[sanctuary]]'' or ''[[altar]]''. Within this area is the altar table, which is more often called the ''holy table'' or ''throne''; the ''apse'' containing the ''[[high place]]'' at the center back with a throne for the [[bishop]] and the ''[[synthronos]]'', or seats for the [[priest]]s, on either side; the ''[[Prothesis (altar)|Chapel of Prothesis]]'' on the north side where the offerings are prepared in the [[Liturgy of Preparation|Proskomedia]] before being brought to the altar table and the holy vessels are stored; and the ''[[Diaconicon]]'' on the south side where the [[vestment]]s are stored.
 
Orthodox Altars are usually square. Traditionally they have a heavy brocade outer covering that reaches all the way to the floor. Occasionally they have canopies over them. All Eastern Orthodox altars have a saint's [[relic]]s embedded inside them, usually that of a [[martyr]], placed at the time they are consecrated. Atop the altar table at the center toward the back is an ornate container usually called the [[church tabernacle|tabernacle]] where the reserved Eucharistic elements are stored for communion of the sick. It is often shaped like a model of a church building. In front of this is placed the [[Gospel (liturgy)|Gospel]] book, which usually has a decorated metal cover. Under the gospel is a folded piece of cloth called the ''eiliton''. Folded within the eiliton is the ''[[antimension]]'', which is a silken cloth imprinted with a depiction of the burial of Christ and with relics sewn into it. Both these cloths are unfolded before the offerings are placed on the altar table. Behind the altar is a ''seven-branched candlestick'', which recalls the seven-branched candlestick of the Old Testament [[Tabernacle (Judaism)|Tabernacle]] and [[Temple in Jerusalem]]. Behind this is a golden processional cross. On either side of the cross are [[Ripidia#Eastern Christianity|liturgical fans]] (Greek: ''ripidia'' or ''hexapteryga'') which represent the six-winged [[Seraphim]]. Against the wall behind the altar is a large cross. Hanging from the cross is usually a flat iconographic depiction of Christ (corpus) which can be removed during the 50 days following [[Easter|Pascha]] (Easter).
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<gallery widths="200px">
File:Flickr - fusion-of-horizons - Catedrala Patriarhală (3).jpg| [[Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral]] in [[Bucharest]], completed in 1658, [[Romania]].
File:Georgia 2011 343b (5680901287).jpg|[[Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral]] A Georgian Orthodox church in [[Tbilisi]]
File:AlexanderNevskyCathedral-Sofia-6.jpg|The [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia|Alexander Nevsky Cathedral]] in [[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]].
File:Chrám svaté Sofie (Kyjev).jpg|The [[Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev|Saint Sophia Cathedral]] in [[KievKyiv]], [[Ukraine]].
File:Cerkiew Aleksandra Newskiego w Łodzi.jpg| The [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Łódź|Alexander Nevsky Cathedral]] in [[Łódź]] was built through the contributions of the city's mercantilist elite as well as the [[Tsar of Russia]].
Image:Kiji Enclos paroissial.JPG|A "wooden miracle" of [[Kizhi]], part of an [http://img-2005-06.photosight.ru/19/910825.jpg ensemble] of [[wood]]en [[church (building)|church]]es, chapels and [[house]]s. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia and an UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]].
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Image:Saint Sofia Church.jpg|The Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Sofia in [[Harbin, China]].
Image:Znamenskaya cerkov Vilnius.JPG|The church of the [[Theotokos]] [[Orans]] ([[Our Lady of the Sign Church, Vilnius|Our Lady of the Sign]]) in [[Vilnius]] demonstrates typical features of developed [[Byzantine Revival architecture|Byzantine revival]]: exposed two-tone, striped, masonry; four symmetrical [[apse]]s tightly fused into the main dome, creating a tall triangular outline; [[Arcade (architecture)|arcades]] blending into the domes; and a relatively small belltower, clearly subordinate to the main dome.
File:Saint Isaac's Cathedral.jpg|[[Saint Isaac's Cathedral]] in [[Saint Petersburg]], the most famous example of an Orthodox church built in the style ofa [[classicismNeoclassicism|Neoclassical]] style.
File:Suprasl monastyr 1.jpeg| The [[Supraśl Lavra]] is undergoing conservation work since the [[revolutions of 1989]], when the Polish government returned it to the [[Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church]].
File:Greek Orth Cathedral of Trinity 319 E74 jeh crop.jpg|The [[Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity]] on New York City's [[Upper East Side]], the largest Orthodox Christian church in the [[Western Hemisphere]].
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{{Portal|Architecture|Christianity}}
*[[Early Christian art and architecture]]
*[[Babinets (architecture)]]
*[[Cross-in-square]]
*[[Morava architectural school]]
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*[[Armenian church architecture]]
*[[Coptic architecture]]
*[[Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine]]
 
==References==
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080916035737/http://www.greekorthodox.org.au/general/orthodoxchristianity/churchetiquette Church Etiquette (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia)] {{in lang|en}}
*[http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/divine/building.shtml The Church Building and Its Arrangement] {{in lang|en}}
*[https://www.goarch.org/-/house-of-god-what-s-inside-an-orthodox-church- House of God] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524034751/https://www.goarch.org/-/house-of-god-what-s-inside-an-orthodox-church- |date=2017-05-24 }} by Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald {{in lang|en}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081021003027/http://sobory.narod.ru/level0.htm Catalog of Orthodox architecture] {{in lang|ru}}
* [[Sergey Zagraevsky]]. [http://zagraevsky.com/classification_engl.htm Typological forming and basic classification of Ancient Russian church architecture.] Saarbrücken, 2015. {{ISBN|978-3-659-80841-8}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Eastern Orthodox Church Architecture}}
[[Category:Types of church buildings]]
[[Category:Church architecture]]
[[Category:Eastern Orthodox church buildings| ]]
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