ICONOSTASIS  , the

screen in a Greek church which divides the altar and sanctuary from the rest of the church . It is generally attached to the first eastern pier or column and rises to the level of the springing of the vault . The iconostasis or image-bearer has generally three doors, one on each side of the central door, beyond which is the principal altar . The screen is sub-divided into four or five tiers, each tier decorated with a series of panels containing representations of the saints: of these 275 only the heads, hands and feet are painted, the bodies being covered with embossed metal work, richly gilded . There is a fine example in the Russo-Greek chapel, Welbeck Street, London, which was rebuilt in 1864-1865 .