The holiest part of the church, facing east behind the iconostasis, where the Liturgy is celebrated.
În bisericile de rit bizantin, „altarul” nu este doar masa, ci întreaga încăpere din spatele iconostasului, orientată spre răsărit. În mijlocul ei se află Sfânta Masă, iar în stânga, proscomidiarul.
În altar intră doar clericii și cei care îi ajută la slujbă. Femeile, după tradiția ortodoxă, nu intră în altar, cu excepția maicilor din mănăstiri care fac ascultare acolo.
See also
- ApseThe semicircular or polygonal end of the church, usually to the east, where the altar stands.
- Holy TableThe table in the middle of the sanctuary on which the Eucharist is celebrated; the Gospel, cross, tabernacle and antimension rest on it.
- IconostasisThe wall of icons that separates the sanctuary from the nave; it has three doors and icons arranged in a fixed order.
- Table of OblationThe small table on the left of the sanctuary where the priest prepares the bread and wine and commemorates names.
In the same category
- Altar curtain (Armenian)In Armenian churches the raised sanctuary is closed not by an iconostasis but by a curtain drawn at certain moments.
- Bell towerThe tower or structure in which the bells hang; it can be attached to the church or stand separately.
- CellThe room where a monk or nun lives; also a small hermitage.
- Choir stall (strana)The wooden stalls in the church; the cantors sing from the stalls in front of the iconostasis.
- Deacons' DoorsThe two side doors of the iconostasis, used by deacons and servers; archangels are usually painted on them.
- Guest house (arhondaric)The guest house of a monastery, where pilgrims and visitors are hosted.