Pavel Florensky — Iconostasis Pdf |link|
: Florensky describes the iconostasis not as a wall that separates the nave from the altar, but as a "boundary between the visible and invisible worlds". It functions as a manifestation of saints and angels (angelophania), making the heavenly realm accessible to human consciousness.
To fully appreciate Florensky's work, it is essential to understand the historical and cultural context in which he wrote. The early 20th century was a time of significant upheaval in Russia, marked by the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Soviet atheism. The Orthodox Church, which had been a cornerstone of Russian society for centuries, faced intense persecution, and its traditions and practices were threatened. pavel florensky iconostasis pdf