Position of icons on the iconostasis

[Warren Bensinger]

Could anyone tell me the proper position for the 12 diciples as they are over the Royal Door's?

Left to right or center out or right to left?

I'm sure there must me some order.
Thanks in advance.

[Olga]

Dear Warren

I am relying on memory here, I'll need to consult my sources to confirm this. However, as best as I can recall, the chief apostles Peter and Paul would be central, Peter is usually on the left, Paul on the right, and following this sequence, I would expect Andrew (being called first to be a disciple) to be next in line, possibly behind Peter, rather than Paul, who "came later". Using this reasoning, I would expect that James and John who were present with Peter at the Transfiguration, would be next, and the rest of the apostles would follow. Another clue as to the order would be found in icons known as The Communion of the Apostles, where Christ in the vestments of a High Priest giving communion (bread in His right hand, chalice in His left) to the apostles, six on each side. Apostles Philip, John and Thomas should be portrayed as beardless youths, Peter with grey-white hair and a compact beard, Paul with dark hair, balding, and a short but slightly straggly beard, and Andrew with grey-white hair and a longer beard than Peter's. Andrew's hair and beard should also look a little "rough" and tousled.