Lesson
The Byzantine Rite for Kids

Inside a Byzantine Church

A wall of icons, doors that open to heaven, and Communion from a golden spoon: a look inside a Byzantine church, for kids.

— 3 min read

Check your understanding

Your answers stay on your device.

  1. What is the wall of icons called?
  2. The doors in the middle of the iconostasis are called the ____ Doors.
  3. In an icon of Mary, she points us to Jesus.
  4. How do Byzantine Catholics receive Holy Communion?
  5. The Church holds all lawfully recognized rites to be of equal right and dignity.
Read the words of the video

What does it look like inside Byzantine Churches? Do they look just like Roman Cathothic churches and why do they take communion with a spoon? Let’s find out with today’s lesson. I’m your host Shalone Cason, and let’s begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

A wall of icons

separates and at the same time unites the sanctuary and nave.

— Christ – Our Pascha 600

The wall is called the iconostasis. The altar side is like heaven, and the side where the people stand is like our world. The icons look at us from heaven, so it is more like a window than a wall.

The doors to the Kingdom

the doors to God’s eternal kingdom.

— Christ – Our Pascha 601

In the middle of the wall are the Royal Doors. When they open during the Divine Liturgy, it shows that God opens heaven to us. The priest comes out through them to bring us the Gospel and Holy Communion.

Icons point to Christ

principally represents Christ.

— Catechism 1159

On one side of the Royal Doors is the icon of Christ, blessing us. On the other is Mary, the Mother of God, holding Jesus and pointing to him. Mary always shows us the way to her Son!

Communion with a spoon

the most pure Body and precious Blood of Christ for the cleansing from sins.

— Christ – Our Pascha 646

Long ago, an angel touched the prophet Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal, and his sin was taken away. In the same way, Jesus comes to our lips in Holy Communion to make us clean.

Different, but equal

of equal right and dignity

— Catechism 1203

A Roman Catholic church looks different inside, but it teaches the same faith. Both come from the apostles. Together they show us more of Jesus than either one could alone!

In a nutshell, Byzantine Churches have a wall of icons called an iconostasis, with royal or Holy doors in the middle. They take communion with a spoon, and the differences between Eastern and Western catholic churches reveal other ways we can worship Christ. Thanks for learning with us. I’ve been your host, Shalone, and until next time, stay holy, my friends.

Image credits

Sources

Written and narrated by Shalone Cason, who chose the topic, selected the points, and reviewed every line. Researched and drafted with AI assistance (Claude) from the sources above. Every quotation is checked word for word against its source.

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