Respect for the Altar Sanctuary
Respect for the Altar Sanctuary
The holiest place in the Holy Church is the altar sanctuary, as the altar consecrated with chrism is there, and upon it the Sacrifice is offered.
And although the church as a whole should be respected, the altar sanctuary is the place in the church most deserving of respect and reverence.
Movements in the altar sanctuary should be only when necessary, and with reverence. It should not be a place for walking around wherever one pleases.
Speaking and laughing are not permitted there.
It is a place for prayer. Every person there should be occupied with prayer, or with meditating on the prayers.
Laughing in the altar sanctuary indicates a lack of respect for the place, a lack of respect for prayer, and a lack of respect for the Holy Sacrifice.
And if necessity calls for it, a gesture can take the place of speech….
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