Respect for the Sanctuary and the Altar
Respect for the Sanctuary and the Altar
The priest should, upon entering the church, kiss the sanctuary and the altar before kissing anyone among the people.
As for ordinary believers, it is sufficient for them first to prostrate themselves before the sanctuary with the appropriate prayers….
And upon finishing the prayer, the priest does not close the curtain before the sanctuary in silence, but says: “Make, O Lord, the door of Your church open before us at all times and unto the end of all ages. And do not close the door of Your church in our faces.”
But for the ordinary believer, it is sufficient to prostrate himself before the sanctuary, then pray as in the Psalm: “But I, through the abundance of Your mercy, will enter Your house. I will worship toward Your holy temple in Your fear” (Psalm 5:7).
And the priest usually offers incense while he is outside the sanctuary, with certain prayers.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
