Inside, the church is divided into 3 sections. The Narthex is the first area where anyone is welcome. It is for the man on the street and represents the sinner called to repentance. Brass candlesticks on either side of the door represent the pillars of fire that led the Hebrew people through the desert to the promised land.
The second room is the Nave. Services are held here, and the place represents the people of God -- both the living and the dead. In the past, only confirmed Orthodox members were allowed in this room. There are no pews in the church as the worshipers are to stand before God. There are times when sitting is acceptable, but for the most part, people stand in the Nave for the service.
The next room is separated by the Icon curtain or screen called an “iconostasis.” The sanctuary is the holy area of the church and only those who are designated may enter the room where the holy altar is. God is present in this area, and it is the meeting place between Heaven and Earth.
For exciting Adventures on the Amur in far east Russia, check out “The Treasure of Nikolai Nikolaevich.”
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_church_architecture
http://nelmitravel.com/russian-orthodox-church/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_church_architecture