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The consecration is usually performed by the diocesan bishop, but if he is unable to perform the consecration he may ask another bishop, [[archimandrite]], or possibly a senior [[priest]] to perform the service on his behalf.
While the consecration encompasses the whole church, the ceremony centers around the Holy [[Altar]] and Holy [[Alter Altar Table]] in particular. As salvation for an Orthodox Christian is union with Christ, called ‘‘Life in Christ’‘, the center of this ''Life in Christ'' is the Holy Altar, The Consecration of a Church is in effect the [[Baptism]] and [[Chrismation]] of the Church.
==Preparations==
In preparation for the Consecration, the Altar Table is cleared, leaving it uncovered with nothing on it. The Consecration begins with the celebration of an [[All-night [[Night Vigil]] on the eve of the Consecration service. At this time all the materials needed for the Consecration service are assembled.
==Consecration==
On the day of the Consecration, the service begins with blessing of a quantity of waters by an appointed Priest. [[Matins]] (Orthos), a morning service may be held using a covered table before the Royal Doors set with a candle, [[paten|diskos]], [[starasterisk]], and a cover for the diskos where upon his arrival the bishop places the Holy Relics.
===Processions===
