What does the interior of a Byzantine Church look like?
A Byzantine church is divided into three parts: The first is the sanctuary where the Holy Table stands. Here the priests lead us in offering the Divine Liturgy. The sanctuary is separated from the rest of the church by the iconostasis or icon screen. The second part is the nave, containing the seats for the congregation. Between the nave and the sanctuary stands the solea, an open area, sometimes raised, where marriages and other services are held. Finally there is the narthex, or church entrance, where the baptistry is usually located. This serves as a reminder that it is through baptism that we enter Christ’s Church.
