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The antimension is a substitute for the altar table. A priest may celebrate the Eucharist on the antimension even if the altar table is not properly consecrated. In emergencies, when an altar table is not available, the antimension serves a very important pastoral need by enabling the use of unconsecrated tables for divine services outside of churches or [[chapel]]s. Formerly if the priest celebrated at a consecrated altar, the sacred elements were placed only on the eileton. However, in current practice the priest always uses the antimension, even on a consecrated altar that has relics sealed in it.
At the Divine Liturgy, during the [[litany|Litanies]] (''Ektenias'') that precede the [[Great Entrance]] the eiliton is opened fully and the antimension is opened three-quarters of the way, leaving the top portion folded. Then, during the [[Litany of the Catechumens]], when the deacon says, "That He (God) may reveal unto them (the catechumens) the Gospel of righteousness," the priest unfolds the last portion of the antimension, revealing the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection. After the Entrance, the [[chalice]] and [[diskos]] are placed on the antimension and the the [[Holy Gifts|Gifts]] (bread and wine) are consecrated. The antimension remains unfolded until after all have received [[Holy Communion]] and the chalice and diskos are returned to the [[Table of Oblation oblation]] ([[Prothesis]]). The deacon (or, if there is no deacon, the priest) must very carefully inspect the antimension to be sure there are no crumbs left on it. Then, it is folded, followed by folding the eiliton, and after which the [[Gospel]] Book placed on top of it.
Although St. [[Theodore the Studite]] (759-826) mentions "fabric altars," the term "antimension" is not found before the late twelfth century.
