reaching from before the tabernacle to near the door of the church. Behind them are other rows of seats, and also all round the church. The Patriarch's throne is between the rows of seats on the right-hand side; and is very lofty, with an ascent of steps. It is all dove-tailed, and is a noble piece of workmanship. Opposite to it is a similar throne, but inferior in height, intended for any Patriarch Visiter, in the row on the left-hand side. As to the Εἰϰωνόστασις[1] (القونسطاس), it is very lofty; and the large images on the doors of the tabernacle are of very great dimensions, painted at Moscow. The picture of St. George is entirely executed by the hand of Our Lady. The candlesticks are large and magnificent. The Πολυέλεον, to which they give the name of Χορός, is all of yellow brass, worked by the hammer, and made at Venice, resembling that which is in the Church of the Holy Resurrection. The tabernacles are spacious; and behind that which is on the north side is a door admitting to the Book Treasury, whence you go out behind the church, into a court that opens into the street. This is so contrived, in order that when the priests are suddenly visited by any natural want, they may satisfy it, without going cut in face of the people. On the arch of the south tabernacle are painted the figures of Abraham and Melchisedee. The beard of the latter is white, and longer than the beard of Abraham. His head is bound with a red fillet, like Daniel the Prophet's, and his hair hangs loose. He is clothed in a vest resembling the Φελώνιον (sacerdotal robe) of St. Gregory, bishop of Armenia, with an Armenian (طقس) dress, and a brocade (زيق) collar. He carries in his hands a kind of white boat, filled with something red, like wine; and having upon it the figure of three white round loaves, with two red crosses on the top. These are the bread and wine which he offered to the Lord. Over is written Ὁ δίϰαιος Μελχίσεδεϰ (The righteous Melchizedek). Above the altar, or place of sacrifice, are two portraits; the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Messiah standing before him in the shape of a young man, under a cupola suported by two pillars. His garment is rent; and the Patriarch says to him, "Lord, who rent thy garment?" The answer issuing from the mouth of our Lord is: "Indeed Arius, who fell upon me. Is the mouth of Hell lower?" than what he fell. Where the officiating priest washes his hands is a small marble pitcher (جرن) with a handle (حبلية), which empties into another standing upon a pillar under it. As to the two portraits above mentioned, there is an
- ↑ Εἰϰωνόστασις.] The Iconostasis is a stand placed near the entrance of the church, for the reception of the picture of the Saint of the festival or day. The people, on entering the church, prostrate them selves before this picture, and kiss it; and light each a small wax taper before it, which they purchase, for the purpose, at the door of the church.
