iconostasis

[ ahy-kuh-nos-tuh-sis ]

/ ˌaɪ kəˈnɒs tə sɪs /

a partition or screen on which icons are placed, separating the sanctuary from the main part of the church.

Also i·con·o·stas

[ahy-kon-uh-stas] /aɪˈkɒn əˌstæs/.

Origin of iconostasis

From Medieval Greek, dating back to 1825–35; see origin at icono-, stasis

In the iconostasis were the three holy doors—above the middle one a massive cross of gold.

Lippincott's Magazine, Vol. 20, No. 33, November 1877 |Various
In front of the iconostasis was an "Entombment," surrounded with young grass amid which little lamps shone.

The Shores of the Adriatic |F. Hamilton Jackson
The iconostasis is of the seventeenth century; the paintings are covered with silver plates.

The Shores of the Adriatic |F. Hamilton Jackson
On the east is the Iconostasis, dividing the 'Holy of Holies' from the rest of the church.

Jerusalem Explored, Volume I--Text |Ermete Pierotti

At Easter time two processional crosses of silver and a Resurrection banner decorate the church outside the iconostasis.

The Shores of the Adriatic |F. Hamilton Jackson

iconostasis

/ (ˌaɪkəʊˈnɒstəsɪs) /

Eastern Churches a screen with doors and icons set in tiers, which separates the bema (sanctuary) from the nave

C19: Church Latin, from Late Greek eikonostasion shrine, literally: area where images are placed, from icono- + histanai to stand