The construction of the chapel

Chapel

An Orthodox building of worship - chapel - is, in Orthodox terminology, a room or building used for church services, usually located in another building, such as a hospital, prison, school or university, but also in -a cell or even in the body of cells of a monastery. Although it has the same functionality as the church (the performance of sacraments, services and the Holy Liturgy), the chapel, or chapel, has smaller dimensions and is more reduced in its architectural structure and in the wealth of cult objects and iconography.

Plan in the shape of a ship or hall

The plan has a longitudinal shape in which a Latin cross can be inscribed and is composed of one or more ships.

veranda

It is a covered space outside or inside the church, located on the west side, which precedes the nave.

narthex

It is a covered space outside or inside the church, located on the west side, which precedes the nave.

Nave

It is the main space of the church, where the religious activity takes place.

pew

In the Orthodox tradition, the pews represent the spaces intended for singers (psaltists), located in the north and south apses of the church. Pews are included in the nave room.

Iconostasis or catapeteasma

It is a wall composed of icons and doors, through which church servants (priests and deacons) have access to the altar. The iconostasis is a characteristic and indispensable element in the Orthodox tradition.

Altar

It is the space reserved for priests, usually located on the east side, where the religious activity takes place.

Proscomidiar

It is a small space, which is found in Orthodox churches located to the north of the altar. The Proscomidiar symbolizes the cave where Jesus Christ was born and the Holy Sepulcher.

Diaconicon

It is another small space in Orthodox churches, located to the south of the altar. The clerical vestments are kept in the diaconicon.