Construction Begins on St. Andrew Worship Space
Construction has started on the worship space for the new St. Andrew Orthodox Church mission in Liberty Hill. St. Andrew wishes to thank Fr. Steven Davis of St. Augustine Orthodox Church for his invaluable work and assistance in the construction project.
This week, the subfloor for the sanctuary and iconostas was completed. For those who are unfamiliar with the layout of an Orthodox church, the nave (the area where the congregation stands) is separated from the sanctuary area (where the priest serves and where the altar table is located) by a screen containing icons. Icons are an ancient form of sacred art depicting Christ, Mary, the saints, the feasts of the church and other biblical events.
Though there are many interpretations of the iconostasis’s significance, it is generally said that the iconostasis represents the division of Heaven and Earth, and how the barriers between the two have been broken. In the center of the iconostasis are the Royal Doors through which the priest enters while carrying the Gospel book or the Eucharistic gifts (also referred to as the Holy Mysteries).
Iconostases can range from simple partitions in many missions to elaborate and ornate multi-tiered works of incredible artistry in cathedral churches. The iconostasis at St. Andrew’s will be a simple design than can be improved as time and money permits.
The next step in our construction plan will be to frame out the sanctuary, including the interior frame of the iconostasis. We hope to complete that work in the upcoming week with our opening date of November 2 firmly in mind.