(Greek: a picture screen)
The chief and most distinctive feature in most Eastern churches, consisting of a solid screen which divides the sanctuary from the body of the church, shutting off the altar from the worshippers. The central one of the three doors is the great royal door. A large cross is on top and there must be two pictures but there are often more. As the Gothic builders used the reredos to beautify the altar so the Eastern Church uses the ornamental screen in front. Its nearest approach in the West is the rood screen. Originally the Eastern churches had only a slight barrier between the altar and nave. The open form of screen which adorned Saint Sophia was copied by other churches. The present form of wall-like barrier was adopted gradually, not coming into general use until after the Council of Florence, 1438.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More