the ikonastas

From this part of the church, the ikonastas or icon wall is visible. An older icon wall also existed in the church – but no photos were available for this exhibit. "This part of the exhibit is a recreation of the current interior of Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Sydney, Nova Scotia. As you pass through the front doors, you will enter the first room ~ called the prytvor (narthex), traditionally the place of those who are not yet baptized. The second room is the khram (nave), the place of prayer for the faithful. Some Holy Sacraments take place here ~ for instance, this is where people confess their sins and receive Holy Communion. A tetropod (small table) in the khram holds special items. An iconostas (icon wall) unites the khram with the third room, the vivtar (sanctuary). According to tradition, the nave represents the Earth and the sanctuary represents Heaven; the icon wall unites the two. The depiction of saints and holy figures on the icon wall are intended to show the faithful the way from Earth to Heaven. The sanctuary contains the prestol (altar), on which are placed the kivot (tabernacle), the Yevanheliya (Gospel) and ruchnyi khrest (hand cross). Left of the altar is a Proskomediynyk (Table of Preparation) which holds all that is required for celebration of the Divine Liturgy: chasha (chalice), dyskos (patten), zvisda (star) and pokryvala (veils).

North America

Canada

Nova Scotia

Sydney

West Street