Who is allowed to go through the royal doors in the iconostasis?

The royal doors in the iconostasis, which is the screen or partition that separates the sanctuary from the nave in Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic churches, is accessible primarily to ordained clergy. This practice stems from the belief that these doors symbolize the entrance into the holy of holies, much like in the ancient Temple of Jerusalem.

Ordained clergy, such as bishops and priests, are entrusted with specific liturgical roles and responsibilities during worship, which typically include the administration of sacraments and leading prayers. Their access through the royal doors signifies their unique spiritual authority and role in mediating between the congregation and the divine.

While deacons also have specific duties and might pass through the royal doors during certain parts of the liturgy, they still function within the parameters set for the ordained clergy. Lay leaders and congregants do not have regular access to this special area, as their role in worship is distinct from that of the ordained clergy. Therefore, it is the clergy who is allowed to pass through the royal doors, highlighting their unique position and responsibilities within the church setting.