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Nave
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The '''nave''' is the main part of an Orthodox [[church]]. It is between the [[narthex]] (vestibule) and the [[sanctuary]] (altar), and is the largest of the three sections. It is where that the faithful gather for [[worship]] and the singers, readers, and chanters carry out their tasks.
The nave is separated from the sanctuary by an [[icon]] screen with doors, called the [[iconostasis]] (icon stand). The walls of the nave are decorated with icons and murals with [[Vigil lamp|hanging lamps ]] (lampadas) before them. There are usually candle stands and icon stands for the people to use in [[prayer]] and [[veneration]]. Doors between the narthex and the nave are now rare, but were once a necessary part of the [[liturgy]], and were closed at an appointed time.
The nave of many local [[parish]] churches have pews or folding chairs for all. It is more common that seats are only provided for the weary especially in [[cathedral]]s, [[monastery|monasteries]], or small [[chapel]]s. Most Orthodox faithful prefer to stand for the entire service, but others pray with the needed comfort of seats during the appropriate times of the service.
