The main body of the church is called the nave. Here, before the greatness of God, even the Tsar must remove his crown—the symbol of his earthly greatness.
Entering the nave, we see a high wall that separates us from the sanctuary. This is the iconostasis. The iconostasis is a symbolic boundary between two worlds: the heavenly and earthly. Many centuries ago, the Church Fathers wisely gave us the iconostasis and the many icons on it to teach us who we have as our protectors in heaven.
In the center of the iconostasis are the Royal Doors (the doors of the Heavenly King). To the right of the Royal Doors is an icon of the Saviour, and to the left, of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of God, Next to the icon of the Saviour is an icon of the saint or church feast for whom the church is named. Further on there are icons of other God-pleasing saints who are also especially venerated. Above this we see images of the twelve feasts of the Church, and even higher, the Holy Apostles, then the Old Testament Prophets and Patriarchs. In the center, at the very top of the iconostasis, is the Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Mother of God and St. John the Theologian standing on either side at the foot of the Cross. On top of the Royal Doors is an icon of the Last Supper, which shows our Lord Jesus Christ giving His Body and Blood under the appearance of bread and wine to His apostles, even as He gives it to us in the Holy Liturgy.
Holy Communion is served to lay people on the solea, a slightly elevated area in front of the iconostasis. The rounded part of the solea, in front of the Royal Doors is called the ambo. The ambo represents a boat, or the hill from which the Lord preached to the people. From here the Holy Gospel is read, sermons are given, and it is here that the priest stands to serve the people Holy Communion.
To the right and left of the ambo is the place for the church singers, called the kleros (which means “lots,” because in ancient times readers and singers were chosen by drawing lots). In the kleros you may also see banners—tall cloth icons with a cross on the top, which are carried in festal processions and symbolize the victory of Christ's Church over the enemy of our salvation.
Around the walls of the nave are other icons of the Lord, His Most Holy Mother, and the saints and angels, before whom we can light candles and pray. Off to the side there is usually a large cross with a special candlestand before it where we pray for the souls of those who have already left this world.