Iconostasis for Temples
The first iconostasis had a rather simple architectural form. They represented a cross-cutting barrier that separated the altar from the main part of the temple but did not hide it from the eyes of the worshipers. It was a stone partition with an upper crossbar mounted on columns. In the gaps between the columns inserted trellis-works or panels depicting Christian symbols, and the central space was left free and served as a passage.
As Christian art developed, the church iconostasis (stone, marble) changed. From the middle of the XIV century, the space between the columns in the altar part of Byzantine temples began to be filled with icons.
The iconostasis helps believers to concentrate on prayer and worship, visually and spiritually preparing them for the sacraments taking place in the altar. The depiction of Jesus Christ, Our Lady, and the saints on the iconostasis deepens the understanding and experience of the faithful through visual imagery.
Why are marble iconostases for temples popular?
Marble is in the category of durable materials that are most resistant to wear and tear and damage. Therefore, it is considered an ideal choice for the manufacture of iconostasis and church utensils, decoration of the interior and exterior design of temples.
The main advantages of marble iconostasis for the temple:
- Aesthetics. Beautiful texture of the material gives the iconostasis a majestic and noble look. It creates a solemn atmosphere in the temple.
- Ease of care. The material is easily cleaned with the help of special means. Therefore, care for the marble iconostasis does not require significant effort.
- Resistance to temperature fluctuations and humidity. Marble can withstand sharp temperature changes without cracking or crumbling, preserving its pristine appearance for centuries.
- Resistance to fading. Many varieties of marble are not prone to fading and darkening. Products made of them keep the brightness and saturation of color for many years.
- Uniqueness. Thanks to the natural patterns and shades of the material, each iconostasis is unique. Two identical products will look different due to the natural texture of the material.
Marble combines well with various architectural styles, bringing harmony and monumentality to the interior of the church. Iconostasis with icons, made of beautiful marble, gives the temple majesty, and most importantly — creates a prayerful atmosphere.
Custom iconostasis production
Dialit Ltd. is a company specializing in turnkey production of iconostasis. Our creations adorn many churches in Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Cyprus. There are 13 iconostasis of our production in Serafimo-Diveyevsky Monastery alone.
Our team visits the temple to analyze the interior style, take measurements, and develop a design project based on the gathered data which is submitted to the customer for approval. If there are corrections, the project of marble iconostasis for the temple is corrected, approved and put into production. Our masters will deliver and install the structure in the church.
The advantages of ordering a custom iconostasis include:
- creating unique church paraphernalia corresponding to the architectural features and interior of a particular church;
- considering wishes of parishioners and clergy regarding the design and placement of icons;
- performing complex and detailed elements of stone carving, which cannot be realized in mass production;
- complying with canonical requirements and traditions emphasizing the spiritual meaning and symbolism of the composition with maximum accuracy.
A custom-made iconostasis becomes not just a functional element of the church but also a unique piece of art that helps maintain an atmosphere of sanctity and inspires parishioners, without distracting at the same time.
When producing iconostasis, Dialit uses high-quality marble from Greece, Portugal, India, Italy, and Turkey.
The iconostasis can be decorated with carvings, mosaics, gilded or silvered brass casting, emphasizing the solemnity of the product. The marble carving is worked out by our masters by hand, it is characterized by great depth with undercuts, which gives it elegance and liveliness.
You can leave a request for marble iconostasis production for the temple by phone or through the feedback form on our website. Call us, and our manager will send you a catalog with photos and prices of finished products, and provide an estimate, based on temple sizes given by you.