St. Petersburg: What’s in a Name? - The Wise World Traveler: Becoming a Part of All that You Meet - page 149

Figure 10.4. Church of the Resurrection
In their interiors, both churches introduce the traveler to the architectural and decorat-
ive glories of the Orthodox Rite: a profusion of gold mosaics, one or more high vaulting
domes (five domes signify Christ and the four apostles), icons, and the ikonostasis. Tra-
ditional Orthodox icons are embellished with gold leaf, their poses and facial expressions
stylized. They offer no perspective. The intent is to convey the immortality and unchanging
qualities of their subject. Worshippers stand facing the iconostasis at the nave (there are
no pews in Russian churches). Behind the iconostasis is the altar, out of the worshippers'
view. The iconostasis is a richly decorated screen with five rows of icons depicting both
saints and feasts of the liturgy. Christ presides. The iconostasis has three doors (represent-
ing the Trinity); one of them is a central door signifying entry to the Divine Kingdom. In
contrast to both Kazan and Spilled Blood, the vast interior spaces of St. Isaac's Cathedral
reflect the full power of nineteenth-century European imperial art: malachite columns and
pilasters, paintings whose faces portray human emotions, their bodies twisted in mannerist
poses. And throughout, the cathedral shines with gold leaf.