More Spacious Than the Heavens

The Platytera shows the Theotokos in the Oranta (praying) posture — arms raised — with the Christ Child depicted in a medallion or circle on her chest. This composition is typically placed in the apse of Orthodox churches, above the altar.

The name 'More Spacious Than the Heavens' refers to the paradox that the Virgin's womb contained the One whom the heavens cannot contain.