iconostases are no longer in place, but in churches in the middle byzantine period, the daphne or hosios loukas, for example, you would've had a higher sanctuary barrier. it would not have been as visible or the activity within would not have been as visible.

iconostases are no longer in place, but in churches in the middle byzantine period, the daphne or hosios loukas, for example, you would've had a higher sanctuary barrier. it would not have been as visible or the activity within would not have been as visible. but the sanctuary barrier is a very important means of communicating the church theology, the concept of the liturgy that is being enacted throughout the service in the church and so visually-- it's a very visual-- its position is very significant because it is the focal point. and so when the congregation gathers, facing or focusing towards the sanctuary which is usually in the eastern most part of the church. therefore, the sanctuary really holds your attention. and it is a very important vehicle for the communication of the church theology and liturgy. so you have the representation then of the holy person which is the entire theology, the entire-- the idea or concept of the liturgy represented then for you on this screen. now, the entire then program of the church really works together. it works together and in summary to communicate t