3. The narthex or porch: The narthex or porch is the gateway and porch area that leads into a church. It is normally located at the church's western end. This is not just an entry into the church, but it is also symbolic as a point of transition between the outer world and a spiritual space. The word comes from the Greek noun narthekon, which means a way to something. In Christian churches, the narthex serves as an entranceway and passage toward heaven.
4. The pericope: The pericope is the name given to any part of a church exteriorly visible from the nave, where panels, statues, fonts, etc., are hung on walls or placed in recesses. The word comes from the Latin periculum meaning "danger."
5. The pediment: The pediment is a triangular roof projection at the end of a building. It often contains an opening for ventilation or decoration. The pediment is used especially at the end of a temple or church facade. It provides an elevated surface upon which to place the entablature and the dome or tent structure.
6. The parapet: The parapet is a low wall with small windows or openings, usually found around the top of a balcony, gallery, or terrace. The purpose of the parapet is to provide protection for those inside the building or structure.
A narthex is a long, thin, enclosed porch, generally colonnaded or arcaded, that spans the width of a church at its entrance. The narthex provides protection from the elements for people entering a building for the first time, especially if it is cold or rainy outside. It may also provide additional space inside the building for people to store their belongings while they enter a service or make their way through a church during a large gathering.
The word "narthex" comes from two Greek words meaning "way to go in." This refers to the custom among some churches of opening their doors only for members of the congregation - not for visitors or outsiders. In more recent years, few buildings have no-entry policies and so this feature is not as common as it was earlier in history when these churches were built.
In Roman Catholic churches, the narthex is usually located on the north side of the building and is often used as a place for priests to stash their robes and personal items. It is customary for priests to leave their offices for the celebration of Mass by walking down the center aisle of the narthex and out into the congregation.
In larger churches with multiple naves, the narthex may be used to separate the public areas of the church from the clergy's offices.
The narthex is an architectural element found in early Christian and Byzantine basilicas and churches that consists of the entry or lobby area positioned at the west end of the nave, opposite the main altar. It is usually covered by a vestibule or portico.
The word "foyer" comes from the French word foire, which means "fair" or "market". In a religious context, it refers to the area outside a church's sacristy where items for worship are kept. This includes roods, candles, and other religious articles. The term is used especially in France where large department stores have taken over some of these functions from churches.
In North America, the term "foyer" has been adopted by some churches to describe their entrance halls, which often contain a gas fireplace and a large statue of Jesus or another religious figure.
People go to church buildings to meet with God and to be inspired by religion. Therefore, an entry way or foyer should not only be spacious but also elegant and comfortable so people will feel welcome and able to relax in their holy place.
Modern-day churches often copy the design of ancient basilicas because they are functional replacements for sacred spaces destroyed during World War II.
What is the name of the entry foyer of an early Christian church? Narthex.
The narthex (Greek for "way of the cross") is a vestibule or passage leading from the main body of the church to the door of the apse. It usually extends from just inside the west (or any other designated entrance) wall to the beginning of the eastern wall, although in large churches it may be much longer.
Early Christians built their churches without a central tower or steeple, so they created openings in the walls of the buildings where light could enter and prayers could be sent up to God. The narthex was a convenient place to store materials needed by priests during services, as well as furniture and decorations. It also served as an area where people could wait before entering the main part of the building.
There are three types of narthexes: linear, arcuate, and semicircular. In a linear narthex the entrance leads directly into the nave (the main body of the church), while in an arcuate narthex there is an additional room called the narthexium between the narthex and the nave.
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