Church Practice
The area set aside for the celebration of the Divine services within the Ikonostasis is known as the Sanctuary. it is somewhat raised above the other portion, in order that the service be heard by all present, Any person who is not consecrated to the service of the church, are not permitted to enter this part of it without a blessing. The sanctuary is divided from the worshippers by a curtain and a partition screen.
There are several sanctuaries dedicated to the memory of various events and various persons they are called annexes or chapel. In our church we have just the one.
In the middle of the sanctuary there stands a square table, it is the altar, also called the Holy throne, because the Lord is present on it, or the Holy table, because upon it we are offered the mystery of the Eucharist, with which we will partake of the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Altar is made square in token that Christ’s doctrine and Mysteries are free to all in all of the four parts of the world.
The altar, is the place on which rests the Glory of the Lord, and is vested with two coverings, the first is the white linen, the second or outer covering is a rich brocade.
What’s on the Altar
1.Upon the Altar is laid a silk or linen cloth on which is represented the descent from the cross and the preparation of Christ’s body for burial, this cloth is called the Antimins, which has sewn into it a relic of a saint. The term antimins means “what is instead of the altar,” Without an antimins no Divine liturgy can be served.
It rests under-the book of the Gospels in a red outer cloth.
2.The Gospel book which is on the altar always has a beautiful binding, in the middle of which is a representation of Christ the Saviour mostly of the Resurrection, while the corners are occupied with the four evangelists. These are represented with their respective symbols in other words, their characteristics. In our parish there are two Gospels on the Altar, One Ukrainian one in English .
3.The Blessing Cross - is located to the right of the gospel book. It is always placed on a red iliton or cloth, that is used for liturgical use blessing of the faithful and veneration..
4. Besides the cross and Gospel, stands Ark or Tabernacle, which preserves the Holy gifts (the Body of Christ saturated with His blood), reserved for giving communion to the sick, and to others, at times when it is not lawful to celebrate the liturgy. These Tabernacles are sometimes made in the shape of a coffin or a separate cave in which case they are called graves at other times in the shape of a temple. Ours is a temple. A temple shaped Tabernacle, used in old times, was called Sion or Jerusalem. Tabernacles are also known by the name Ciborium. Within the Tabernacle is a casket with several compartments. In one is placed a very small casket containing particles of the Holy gifts. In another there is a small chalice with a tiny spoon and in a third, a small vessel with wine and a sponge to clean the chalice.
5. An Oil lamp is set before the tabernacle to show Christs presence within.
Fr Michael Smolynec