Traditionally, this vestibule serves as a buffer between the world and the Kingdom as represented by the church building proper. There are also certain rites which are conducted in this part of the church, such as the [[exorcism]]s which precede the [[sacrament]] of [[Baptism]], the [[Marriage#Office_of_betrothal|betrothal]] at weddings, and in some Orthodox communities the prayers of [[churching]] after birth. On designated occasions certain [[Vespers|Vesperal]] prayers and rites are also celebrated here.

==Western churches==