narthex

narthex
narthecal /nahr thee"keuhl/, adj.
/nahr"theks/, n. Archit.
an enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of a church.
[1665-75; < LGk nárthex, Gk: giant fennel]

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Long, narrow porch, usually colonnaded or arcaded, crossing the entire width of a church at its entrance.

The narthex is usually separated from the nave by columns or a pierced wall. In Byzantine churches the space is divided into two parts: An exonarthex forms the outer entrance to the building and bounds the esonarthex, which opens onto the nave.

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      long, narrow, enclosed porch, usually colonnaded or arcaded, crossing the entire width of a church at its entrance. The narthex is usually separated from the nave by columns or a pierced wall, and in Byzantine churches the space is divided into two parts; an exonarthex forms the outer entrance to the building and bounds the esonarthex, which opens onto the nave. Occasionally the exonarthex does not form an integral part of the main body of the church but consists of a single-storied structure set against it. A spectacular Norman example is the Galilee porch at Durham Cathedral in Durham, Eng.

      In the early days of Christianity the narthex was the only portion of the church to which catechumens (those preparing for the sacrament of baptism) and penitents were admitted.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Narthex — • In early Christian architecture a portion of the church separated from the nave and reserved for those who were not admitted amongst the congregation. Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Narthex     Narthex …   Catholic encyclopedia

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  • narthex — (n.) porch at the west end of early churches (used by penitents not admitted to the body of the church), 1670s, from Late Gk. narthex, in classical Greek giant fennel, of unknown origin. The architectural feature allegedly so called from fancied… …   Etymology dictionary

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