Iconostasis
The traditional Ukrainian iconostasis of the 15th—18th centuries typically includes between one and seven tiers of icons, each serving a distinct symbolic and functional role.
Base Tier
In the 15th—16th centuries, this tier was often occupied by fabric, symbolizing the veil of the Old Testament Temple, or by painted panels. In the early 17th century, decorative patterns began to appear in this space. Later, individual scenes, complementing the Deisis row, were added, including depictions of Old Testament stories such as the Sacrifice of Isaac, Jacob’s Dream, and Daniel in the Lion’s Den.
Deisis
The icons in this row are traditionally placed beside the Royal Doors: on the left, the icon of the Virgin with Child (usually “Hodigitria”), and on the right, Christ Pantocrator. Typically, on the left is an icon of Saint Nicholas, and on the right, an icon of the saint or feast for which the church is dedicated. This row can also feature images of archangels, archdeacons, and saints such as Cosmas and Damian, Demetrius, and George.
Royal Doors (Beautiful Gates) — the entrance to the Holy of Holies, are often decorated with carvings of grapevines, with six medallions: the upper ones depict the Annunciation, while the lower ones show the Evangelists. At the bottom, there may be a figure of Jesse, the father of King David, from whom the genealogical tree of Jesus grows.
Pentecost Tier
This tier, introduced into Ukrainian iconostasis in the mid-17th century, depicts scenes from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. These include the Appearance of Christ to the Myrrhbearers, the Road to Emmaus, the Healing of the Paralytic, the Healing of the Blind Man, and other scenes. Above the Royal Doors, the icon of the “Not-Made-By-Hands Christ” is usually placed.
Feast Tier
This row features icons of the twelve major Christian feasts, usually in the order of the liturgical year: the Nativity of the Virgin, the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, the Annunciation, the Nativity of Christ, Theophany, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Transfiguration, the Entrance into Jerusalem, the Resurrection or Descent into Hades, the Ascension, Pentecost, and the Dormition of the Virgin. The “Last Supper” icon is typically placed in the center.
Deisis
In the center of this tier, Christ Pantocrator sits on a throne, flanked by the archangels Michael and Gabriel. Near them are typically depicted the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist. Prior to the 16th century, this row also included representations of apostles, martyrs, prophets, and hermits, though over time it became limited to the depiction of the apostles.
Prophet Tier
The round medallions depict the twelve Old Testament prophets, all facing the central icon of the Virgin of the Sign, which represents the image of the Old Testament Burning Bush, containing the divine fire without being consumed. The prophets praise the Virgin for bringing the Savior into the world.
Crucifixion
Above all, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is often depicted. This can appear either as a rectangular icon or carved in the form of a figure. Near the crucifixion, the Myrrhbearers are commonly depicted: the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and sometimes Mary the wife of Clopas. On the opposite side of the cross stand John the Theologian and the centurion Longinus.
Mykhailo Skop
