Changes

In Orthodox Christian usage the The '''altar''' is the area at the east end of a [[church]], usually behind an [[iconostasis]] (altar screen). The word (Hebrew: מזבח -‎ ''mizbe'ah'' - altar) means "a place of sacrifice" in Hebrew (Gr. ἱερόν θυσιατήριον - hieron thysiasterion; Sl. prestol). The altar often is also referred to as the '''sanctuary'''. An '''Altar Table''' is located in the center of the altar as one enters through the ''[[Royal Doors'' ]] in the iconostasis. This table is often referred to as the Holy Table.

==Entry==Entry to the altar through the iconostasis from the [[nave ]] is through the centrally placed royal doors or through the deacon’s deacon's doors to the left and right of the royal doors. A [[curtain]], that represents the curtain that separated the Holy of Holiness in the ancient Temple of the Jews in Jerusalem, may be installed and drawn across the closed royal doors when Divine Services are not being conducted and at certain times during these services. Only [[ordination|ordained men ]] [[clergy]] can pass through the royal doors. The altar may have other entries behind the iconostasis, but these are not used liturgically.

The altar table It is usually a cube with each dimension of about one meter or cubit. The table may be made of wood or stone. The table is usually covered with a brocade covering, the color tradition of which changes with the liturgical season. Atop Orthodox Church that the altar table is the tabernacle, a miniature shrine sometimes built laity stand in the form of a church, inside of which is a small ark containing the reserved [[Sacrament]] for use in communing the sick. Also, a multi-branch candle stand, usually with seven candles, is placed near the back of the table as one looks from the nave. Also kept on the altar is the book of the Gospels and the antimension, a silken cloth imprinted with an icon of Christ being prepared for burial, which has a relic sewn into it and bears do not enter the signature of the bishopsanctuary without reason. The Divine Liturgy must be served on an antimension even if Only people whose ministry or responsibilities require them to enter the altar has been consecrated sanctuary, and contains relics. When not in use, the antimension is left in place wrapped in the eiliton, who have received a cloth of plain silk, linenblessing, or cottonare permitted to enter.

==Altar table==The altar table is usually a cube with each dimension of about one meter or cubit. The table may only be touched by made of wood or stone. The table is usually covered with a brocade covering, the [[ordainLiturgical colors|color]]ed men, and nothing of which is not itself consecrated or an object of veneration ought to be placed on itchanges with the [[liturgical season]]. Objects may also be placed on Atop the altar table as part is the [[Tabernacle (liturgical)|tabernacle]], a miniature shrine sometimes built in the form of a church, inside of which is a small ark containing the process for setting them aside reserved [[Sacrament]] for sacred usein communing the sick. For example Also, a multi-branch [[iconcandle]]s are stand, usually blessed by laying them with seven candles, is placed near the back of the table as one looks from the nave. Also kept on the altar table for is the book of the [[Gospel]]s and the [[antimension]], a period silken cloth imprinted with an [[icon]] of time or [[Christ]] being prepared for burial, which has a certain number [[relics|relic]] sewn into it and bears the signature of the [[bishop]]. The [[Divine Liturgies before blessing them with holy waterLiturgy]] must be served on an antimension even if the altar has been consecrated and contains relics. When not in use, the antimension is left in place wrapped in the [[eileton]], a cloth of plain silk, linen, or cotton.

The Holy Altar has multiple symbolic meanings. First, it represents the Throne of God because through the sacraments celebrated upon this altar God’s saving and sanctifying [[grace]] is bestowed upon all people. It is also [[Golgotha]], the place where [[Jesus]] was crucified, because it is upon this altar that we re-enact the [[Passion]] of our [[Lord]] and [[Saviour]], and finally the Tomb of Christ because it is through Christ’s death that eternal life was granted to all people. This final representation is highlighted in the resurrection [[Matins]] service celebrated every Sunday because it is from the right or southern side of the altar table that the morning [[Gospel]] is proclaimed, symbolising the [[angel]] announcing the risen [[Christ]] to the Myrrhbearers. Traditionally the altar table is supported by either one or four columns. The single column represents [[Jesus Christ]] while the four columns represent the four [[Evangelists]]. The altar table may only be touched by subdeacons, deacons, priests or bishops, and nothing which is not itself consecrated or an object of veneration ought to be placed on it. Objects may also be placed on the altar table as part of the process for setting them aside for sacred use. For example, icons are usually blessed by laying them on the altar table for a period of time or for a certain number of Divine Liturgies before blessing them with [[holy water]]. ==Table of preparation==On left side of the altar is placed the table of preparation or ([[prothesisTable of oblation]] or prothesis) upon which the sacramental offering of the Body and Blood of Christ is prepared in a service called the [[proskomedia]] before each liturgy. == Image Gallery ==<gallery>Image:AltarStMaryChurchBluefieldWV.JPG|<small>Altar Table: St. Mary Church, Bluefield, WV, USA</small>Image:AltarStMarkBradentonFL1.jpg|<small>Altar Table: St Mark Church, Bradenton, FL, USA</small>Image:AltarTheophanyNagoyaJapan.JPG|<small>Altar Table: Holy Theophany Church, Nagoya, Japan</small>File:AltarStElijahStBarbaraSaraFL.JPG|<small>Side altar of the Prophet Elijah, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Sarasota, Florida</small></gallery>

*[[:Wikipedia:Altar|''Altar'' from Wikipedia]]* [ http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8049.asp#ALTAR A Dictionary of Orthodox Terminology] by Fotios K. Litsas, Ph.D. ([[GOARCH]])*[http://www.wikipediagoarch.org/wikien/chapel/liturgical_texts/Altar Altar from Wikipediaconsecrate_church.asp The Service of Consecration] (GOARCH) [[Category:Church architecture]][[Category:Liturgical objects]]

[[Categoryel: LiturgicsΑγία Τράπεζα]][[it:Altare]][[ro:Altar]]