What are the wheel-shaped decorations on the iconostasis?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The "wheel-looking things" you see on the iconostasis are a specific and ancient Coptic decorative motif known as the "Wheel of Light" or the "Eternal Wheel."

While they appear to be geometric decorations, they are deeply symbolic designs—often made of ivory or bone inlaid into ebony or cedar—that carry multiple layers of theological meaning:

1. The Wheels of Ezekiel (The Chariot of God)

The most direct biblical reference for these wheels is the Vision of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:15-21), where the prophet saw "wheels within wheels" beside the Cherubim supporting the Throne of God.

• Symbolism: Since the Altar behind the iconostasis represents the Throne of God, the "wheels" on the screen signify that the sanctuary is the "Chariot of the Cherubim." They remind the faithful that they are standing before the dwelling place of the Most High.

2. The Sun of Righteousness

The wheel shape is a "solar" symbol. In Coptic hymnology and Scripture, Christ is called the "Sun of Righteousness" (Malachi 4:2).

• Symbolism: The "spokes" of the wheel represent the rays of light emanating from Christ, the center of the Church. This is why these wheels are often positioned around a central cross or an icon of Christ.

3. Eternity and the Perfection of God

A wheel or circle has no beginning and no end.

• Symbolism: This represents the Eternity of God. In Coptic woodcarving, these "interlaced" wheels (as seen at Al-Mu'allaqa or Abu Serga) show patterns that never break. This signifies the infinite nature of God’s wisdom and the perpetual nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. The Apostles and the Spread of the Gospel

In many Coptic designs, the "wheel" consists of a central point with twelve segments or spokes.

• Symbolism: This represents Christ and the Twelve Apostles. The "wheel" signifies the movement of the Gospel; just as a wheel moves a chariot, the Apostles carried the message of Christ to the four corners of the world.

5. Architectural Style: Arabesque and Coptic Inlay

As mentioned in Source 2 regarding the screenwork at Abu-'s-Sifain and the Hanging Church, these wheels are often part of a "wheel-and-cross" pattern.

• Historical Context: Coptic craftsmen perfected the art of inlay (putting ivory into wood). They used these geometric wheels (often called arabesque in a general sense, though specifically Coptic in this context) to create a "lattice" or "veil" effect. This reminds us that we see the mysteries of God "through a glass, darkly" (1 Corinthians 13:12) until we enter the Sanctuary.

6. The "Star" of Bethlehem

When the wheel has many points and looks like a star, it also symbolizes the Star of the East that led the Magi to Christ. It signifies that the iconostasis is the place where we find the Incarnate Word.

Summary

When you see those wheels, do not see them as mere art. They are the Wheels of the Divine Chariot, reminding you that the Liturgy is a "heaven on earth" experience and that the God who appeared to Ezekiel in the "wheels of fire" is the same God present on the Altar.