Tabernacle (liturgical)
A tabernacle, also known as an artophorion, is a container on the altar table of an Orthodox Christian Church specifically used to reserve the Eucharist, the presence of Jesus Christ.
History
In the days of ancient Israel, the Tabernacle was the earthly dwelling of God, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. Therefore, the ancient Tabernacle prefigures the tabernacles used today in Orthodox worship.
In early Christianity, presbyters and even lay people took bread consecrated at Eucharistic celebrations to their homes in order to give it to the sick and others unable to attend the celebration. But when the Edict of Milan ended persecution, the practice was established of keeping the Eucharist only in churches and no longer in people's homes. Later as liturgical implements became more specialized, the tabernacle was made as a permananent vessel for the Eucharist.
Present uses
In the Orthodox Church, the reserve sacrament is kept in the tabernacle on the altar table at all times. The tabernacle is usually elaborately decorated, normally wrought with gold, silver, or wood and precious adornments. The tabernacle is often shaped like a miniature church building. Every year on Holy Thursday, the priest consumes whatever is left of the reserve sacrament and places some of the sacrament left over from the Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy into the tabernacle. The presence of Christ in the tabernacle is always indicated by a vigil lamp, burning perpetually.
Connection to the Old Testament tabernacle
- The biblical tabernacle included the enshrined leftover manna. The new tabernacle contains the reserve sacrament, the Mystical Supper.
- The biblical tabernacle included the stone tablets of the ten Commandments, the way, the law. The new tabernacle contains the reserve sacrament, the Son of God, who said, "I am the way," the fulfillment of the Law.
- The biblical tabernacle included the Rod of the Patriarch Aaron, confirming the Levitical priesthood. The new tabernacle contains the presence of Jesus Christ, the Church's new High Priest.
External links
- Wikipedia:Church tabernacle
- Temple Theology, a site maintained by Margaret Barker
- The Jewish Roots of Christian Mysticism, located on Marquette University's server
