THE ICONOGRAPHY IN THE NAVE (SANCTUARY) |
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The six large mosaic icons in the rounded arches of the bronze screen are in keeping with Greek Orthodox tradition and Byzantine style. Each is 7 ft., 6 in. by 2ft., 3 in. The bronze altar screen with mosaic icons is designed to harmonize with the architectural features of the nave. Through the Royal Gate one sees the Holy Altar of Botticini marble with its sculptured pedestal. The mosaic icon in the apse above the Altar shows the Theotokos (Mother of God) enthroned as the Queen of Heaven holding the Divine Child. In the wide arch above the Hieron (Sanctuary) each of the thirteen round windows is a portrait in color. The Saviour in the center issurrounded by His Apostles, six on either side. The two end arches are the side doors to the Sanctuary and the icons on these depict the Archangel Michael on the left and the Archangel Gabriel on the right. On either side of the Royal Gate are the Lord Jesus Christ to the right and the Virgin tenderly holding the Holy Infant to the left. Next to the icon of our Lord is the Prodromos, John the Baptist, and next to the Mother and Child is the icon representing the name of the church, the Annunciation. In the upper part of the Iconostasion, smaller icons of the four Evangelists and the Prophets Moses and Isaias flank the mosaic depiction of the Last Supper, which occupies the central place, just above the Royal Gate. |
