Narthex
The entrance space leads from the outside into the nave. Certain introductory rites and prayers are also held here.
Key points
- The threshold invites a movement from daily life into the worship of God's Kingdom.
- Look for: An entryway, icons, and places to pause for prayer.
- Illustrated location: Narthex and entrance
- Entering sacred space (Christian typology): The tabernacle court, Temple porch, and church narthex each organize an approach to worship. Orthodox interpretation reads this movement as preparation for the gathered Church and the Holy Table.
- These spaces belong to different periods and serve different purposes. The Court of the Gentiles belongs to the later Second Temple; it is not shown in this Solomon’s Temple model. Contemporary parish practice does not generally require visitors to remain in the narthex.
- A rebuilt church with courts, seats, and an altar barrier (Historical connection): Eusebius's dedication address describes an outer enclosure, a colonnaded court with fountains, entrances admitting light, seats for those presiding, and an altar enclosed by carved wooden lattice-work. He reads the rebuilt church through biblical restoration imagery, including Haggai's promise of a greater latter glory.
- This is a celebratory description of one church, not a measured archaeological plan. Its altar barrier is not evidence for a fully developed modern iconostasis. Eusebius's application of Haggai is a Christian interpretation of a passage originally addressing the restored Jerusalem Temple.
Scripture
- Exodus 27:9–19 — Entering sacred space: The tabernacle court, Temple porch, and church narthex each organize an approach to worship. Orthodox interpretation reads this movement as preparation for the gathered Church and the Holy Table.
- 1 Kings 6:1–35 — Entering sacred space: The tabernacle court, Temple porch, and church narthex each organize an approach to worship. Orthodox interpretation reads this movement as preparation for the gathered Church and the Holy Table.
- Haggai 2:6-9 — A rebuilt church with courts, seats, and an altar barrier: Eusebius's dedication address describes an outer enclosure, a colonnaded court with fountains, entrances admitting light, seats for those presiding, and an altar enclosed by carved wooden lattice-work. He reads the rebuilt church through biblical restoration imagery, including Haggai's promise of a greater latter glory.