Orthodox Christian Mission Resources

Building an Iconastasis for a Mission

There are several simple designs that are great for a first iconostasis. There are a few considerations when building an iconostasis for a mission. 

- Is the mission a 'church in a box' that has to set up and tear down every week. If so a smaller panel or 'screen' style may be best. 

- If space is rented, can the iconostasis be attached to the walls or will it need to be free standing. 

- What level of skill and tools are available to the mission. 

Simple design 

The first design is a simple panel that is cut from a sheet of plywood. 5/8 or 3/4 is best. (Sometimes they will be  19/32 or  23/32 with are just smaller than 5/8 and 3/4 respectfully) 

These panels can be attached with two or three hinges (one 5in from the bottom, another near the top or where the panel curves (if it's curved) and the third centered between. When hinged they can be set up like a screen and can stand on their own. 

This is a portable set available from Rose Woodworks.  (it is not really in a price range for most missions) The design is very simple and one like can be done simply and cost-effectively if only building a few pannels. (more on standing them up later) 

Open Design

More open designs can often be simpler to build and are also beautiful. 

This is made fairly simply by attaching 4x4 cedar posts. and filling in lower areas with boards. Two boards space the upper section in order to attach the icons. 

Making the Iconastasis stand

For most missions, there may no the ability to attach the iconostasis to the walls floor or ceiling. n that case there are basically three options 

1. Connect the pannels like a folding screen and angle them so they stand. This is a good option for situations in which a mission has to be set up and tear down each week. 

2. Build a support stand in the back that can be weighted. 

3. A simpler design is to use 'feet' 

or 

4. These just slide on and lock in (yours would not need to be that big) this makes taking them down and putting them up easy. To make these your pannel needs a groove the same width as the thickness of your foot material.

5. Another workable and easy solution is to put screw eyes on either side of the back and use bungee cords to strap the pannel to a chair (on top and bottom). If the chair needs weight to support the pannel that can be added to the chair easily. - This can be simpler than other options because many rented spaces will have chairs you can use and there is less risk of tripping over a chair than a foot, weighted foot etc.