Special Etiquettes for the Sanctuary and the Altar
Rituals Section
Special Etiquettes for the Sanctuary and the Altar
1- No one may enter the sanctuary except the servants of the altar—that is, the ranks of the priesthood and the degrees of deacons.
And from here comes the reason for a woman not entering the sanctuary.
Here we also face the problem of photographers during feasts, ordinations, and other occasions, and the matter needs a solution.
2- In the Divine Liturgy, only one offering (the Lamb offering) may enter the sanctuary. As for the offertory plate containing the Lamb offerings, it must always remain outside the sanctuary, whether before the Liturgy or after choosing the Lamb.
3- No one may turn his back to the altar, nor lean on it with his hand or body. Rather, he should stand around it reverently.
4- It is required that the clergy (other than the serving priest) stand on the right side of the altar…
5- The altar should be orderly, and papers should not be placed on it randomly, such as prayer request papers, which may be placed in a special envelope under the chalice stand. Likewise, the veils and books should be arranged and kept in their proper order.
6- Speaking and conversations inside the sanctuary are not permitted; the place is reserved for prayer only.
7- A person enters the sanctuary with his right foot.
8- No one may open or close the sanctuary curtain except the clergy. And when the priest opens or closes the sanctuary door, he prays saying: “O Lord, keep the door of Your Church open before us at all times and unto the end of ages. Do not close the door of Your Church in our faces.”
9- Worshippers prostrate before the sanctuary when they enter the church. The worshipper chants the Psalm: “But as for me, in the multitude of Your mercy I will enter Your house; I will worship toward Your holy temple.”
10- Likewise, when the priest enters the sanctuary, he prostrates before the altar and kisses it.
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