The Structure of the Church
In the previous issue, we spoke about the sanctuary in the church, the reverence due to it, and its orientation toward the East. Today we continue our discussion about the sanctuary:
On the eastern side of the sanctuary there is a semi-cylindrical recess called a bayt or niche, and it is referred to in the rite as “the Bosom of the Father.” In front of it is placed a lamp called “the Eastern Lamp,” which symbolizes the star that appeared in the East to the Magi.
There are also two lamps placed in front of the sanctuary from the outside, symbolizing the Law of the Old Testament and the Law of the New Testament.
On the eastern side of the sanctuary there are seven ascending steps, one above the other, symbolizing the ranks of the Church.
At the ordination of the Pope Patriarch, he ascends to the highest of them, which is called the Synthronon, the place of the throne.
The steps of the Synthronon can be seen in the Great St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo and in ancient churches.
Inside the sanctuary is the altar:
The altar is for the sacrifice; and the sacrifice is the foundation of the life of communion in Christianity, and the foundation of redemption. The community of believers is a holy community that gathers around the divine sacrifice for the redemption of the world.
The Apostle Paul said about the altar:
“We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat” (Hebrews 13:10).
Although Scripture mentioned the altar in general, it mentioned in particular the altar that is in the land of Egypt, as stated in the prophecy of Isaiah (19:19–20):
“In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt.”
The altar represents the Cross on which the Lord Christ was crucified, and in the rite a raised dome is placed above the altar, supported by columns.
It is called the Table, because from it we partake of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
More than one altar may be established in the same church, so that it is possible to celebrate more than one Liturgy in a single day.
In Orthodoxy, the altar is not attached to any wall, so that the priest may be able to walk around the altar during the incense processions.
The altar is hollow inside, surrounded by walls, because in this respect it resembles the tomb in which Christ, the sacrifice of our salvation, was laid. Thus, it is not erected on columns, but is enclosed by walls.
In the early centuries, the bones of the saints were placed inside it.
This is according to what is written in the Book of Revelation: “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” (Revelation 6:9).
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Seventh Year (Issue Seven), 13-2-1976.
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