Who is allowed to go through the royal doors in a church?

The royal doors in a church, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic traditions, are reserved for the ordained clergy. This practice emphasizes the sacredness of the space behind the royal doors, which leads to the altar, where the Holy Eucharist is prepared and reserved. The doors serve as a symbol of the boundary between the clergy, who have received the sacrament of ordination, and the laity, or non-ordained members of the congregation.

The archpriests, bishops, and other ordained ministers are given special access to this area as they are entrusted with the church's sacramental duties and the administration of the sacraments. This restriction underscores the hierarchical structure of the church and the belief that certain spiritual responsibilities and privileges belong exclusively to those who have been ordained and have dedicated themselves to leading the worship and pastoral care of the community.