What does an Orthodox Holy Altar look like?

Summary

In this heartfelt video, the speaker shares a deep prayer and hope for an upcoming meeting with the Metropolitan, urging viewers to keep them in their prayers. The video offers an intimate look into Orthodox and Catholic traditions, detailing the consecration of an altar table, the significance of holy relics, and the sacramental process. It also emphasizes the community's gratitude for support and the continuity of Christian practices from the first century to the present.

Takeaways

• 📜 The video is a warning and introduction to Orthodox and Catholic religious practices that might be unfamiliar to some viewers.
• 🛐 The speaker is preparing to meet with their Bishop and Metropolitan in London, which is why they are sharing this particular video with their online community.
• 🙏 The speaker asks for prayers, especially for the upcoming meeting with the Metropolitan, expressing deep hope and prayer for its outcome.
• 🏛 The video discusses the consecration process of a holy table, which is central to Orthodox and Catholic church services.
• 🔨 The holy table is described as a cube, traditionally 1 meter in height, width, and depth, and is the place where holy sacraments are celebrated.
• ✝️ A cross is carved into the table, which is not common in older tables, but is included here due to the speaker's preference for aesthetics.
• 💎 The table has a cylinder in the center where holy relics and a scroll, signed by the Bishop, will be placed during the consecration.
• 🗝️ The relics and scroll are sealed with wax mastic, symbolizing the church's dedication and the sealing until Christ's second coming.
• 🛁 The table is washed with water, rose water, and holy myrrh, representing the baptism and burial of Christ, as well as the church's baptism.
• 📜 The icons of the four evangelists are imprinted on the table with wax, signifying their role in delivering the gospel.
• 🏷️ The final layer of the table is sealed with wax and linen, reminiscent of Christ's burial and the church's baptismal attire.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video mentioned in the transcript?

The purpose of the video is to share a detailed explanation of the consecration process of a holy altar table within the Orthodox or Catholic tradition, despite the potential for it to be unfamiliar or intimidating to those outside these faiths.

Why does the speaker feel the need to warn some viewers before watching the video?

The speaker feels the need to warn viewers who are not Orthodox or Catholic because the video contains religious elements such as icons, holy tables, altars, relics, and rituals that might be unfamiliar or even frightening to them.

What is the significance of the holy table in the context of the video?

The holy table, also known as the altar, is significant as it is the central place where the sacraments of the church, particularly the Eucharist, are celebrated and where the consecration process takes place.

What does the speaker mention about the size of the holy table?

The speaker mentions that the holy table is supposed to be 1 meter high by 1 meter wide, forming a cube-like structure.

Why is a cross carved into the center of the holy table?

The cross is carved into the center of the holy table because the speaker likes things to be nice and beautiful, and it is a symbol of the Christian faith, even though older tables may not necessarily have this feature.

What is the purpose of the cylinder in the center of the holy table?

The cylinder in the center of the holy table is used to hold the holy relics and a scroll signed by the local Bishop, indicating his decision to consecrate the altar table and the church.

What is the significance of sealing the holy table with wax mastic?

Sealing the holy table with wax mastic, a mix of wax, sand, and other substances, signifies the dedication of the table to the service of the church until the second coming of Christ.

What rituals are performed after the relics and scroll are placed inside the cylinder?

After the relics and scroll are placed inside the cylinder, the table is covered with sand, sealed with wax mastic, and the Bishop's seal is applied. The table is then washed three times with water, rose water, and holy myrrh, symbolizing baptism and the church's dedication to a saint.

What does the speaker mean by the church being 'baptized' during the consecration process?

The speaker refers to the church being 'baptized' as a metaphorical way of saying that the church is receiving a new name and identity through the consecration process, similar to how a person receives a name at birth or during baptism.

What are the final steps in preparing the holy table for use in the church?

The final steps include placing a wooden slab on top of the table, covering it with white linen, and sealing it with wax. The table is then adorned with various coverings and religious items such as the holy gospel, the antimon, the Holy Cross, and candles.

What is the significance of the icons of the four evangelists on the holy table?

The icons of the four evangelists are significant as they represent the authors of the Gospels who have given the Christian community the good news of Jesus Christ, and they are imprinted on the table in wax to symbolize their enduring presence.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Introduction to Orthodox Christian Rituals

The speaker begins by cautioning viewers who may not be familiar with Orthodox or Catholic traditions, as the video will delve into sacred elements that could be overwhelming. They express love and care for their audience and explain the necessity of sharing this particular video due to an upcoming meeting with their Bishop and Metropolitan in London. The video is intended for their online community, who support them monthly and participate in Zoom meetings. The speaker asks for prayers for the meeting and shares a hope for the outcomes, promising to update the viewers next week.

05:02

🛐 The Consecration of the Holy Altar

This paragraph describes the process of consecrating the holy altar table, which is central to Orthodox Christian worship. The table is a cube, approximately one meter in height and width, and is the site of the sacraments. The speaker details the steps involved in the consecration, including the placement of holy relics and a scroll within a cylinder at the center of the table, which will then be sealed with wax mastic. The table is symbolically washed with water, rose water, and holy myrrh, representing baptism and the burial of Christ. The process concludes with the application of wax to the table's surface and the imprinting of icons of the four evangelists, followed by the placement of a wooden slab and various religious items, such as the Holy Gospel and a cross.

10:04

🕊 The Significance of the Holy Altar and Its Arrangement

The final paragraph emphasizes the significance of the holy altar as a place of sacrifice, akin to the offerings in the Old Testament. The speaker explains that the arrangement of items on the altar, including icons, the Holy Gospel, and crosses, is not arbitrary but has been practiced by the Christian community since the first century. They invite questions from viewers and express gratitude for the support of their community, acknowledging the importance of the tradition and the role of the local bishop in maintaining these practices. The speaker concludes with a blessing and an expression of love and gratitude for the viewers' contributions to their monasteries and community.

Keywords

💡Orthodox

Orthodox refers to the Eastern Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian traditions that emphasizes the preservation of original Christian practices and beliefs. In the video, the speaker mentions a warning for those who are not Orthodox or Catholic, indicating that the content is deeply rooted in these specific religious traditions.

💡Catholic

Catholic, in this context, refers to the Roman Catholic Church, another major Christian tradition that shares some practices with Orthodoxy but has distinct theological and liturgical differences. The speaker mentions Catholic alongside Orthodox to highlight the specific religious context of the video's content.

💡Holy Table

The Holy Table, also known as the altar, is the central piece of furniture in Christian churches, particularly in Orthodox and Catholic traditions, where the Eucharist is celebrated. In the script, the Holy Table is described as a cube, symbolizing the sacred space where the sacraments are performed.

💡Holy Relics

Holy Relics are physical remains or objects associated with saints, venerated in Christian traditions as a means of connecting with the divine. The script describes the process of placing holy relics within the altar, emphasizing the sanctity and historical significance of these items.

💡Bishops

Bishops are high-ranking clergy in Christian churches, particularly in Orthodox and Catholic traditions, who have the authority to consecrate churches and altars. The script mentions bishops as the ones who will perform the consecration and seal the altar with wax mastic.

💡Consecration

Consecration is the act of dedicating or sanctifying a church, altar, or other sacred objects for religious use. The video script details the process of consecrating the altar, which includes placing relics and a scroll within it and sealing it with wax.

💡Holy Myron

Holy Myron, also known as chrism, is a consecrated oil used in various sacraments in the Orthodox Church, including baptism and chrismation. The script mentions the use of holy myron in the consecration process, symbolizing the anointing and sanctification of the altar.

💡Dedication

Dedication in a religious context refers to the act of naming and dedicating a church to a particular saint or purpose. The script explains that the church will be dedicated to a saint, which is akin to giving it a name and spiritual identity.

💡Evangelists

Evangelists are the authors of the four Gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The script mentions the icons of the four evangelists being imprinted on the altar, signifying their role in conveying the teachings of Christ.

💡Wax Mastic

Wax Mastic is a mixture of wax and other substances, such as sand, used in the consecration process to seal the altar. The script describes the sealing with wax mastic as a symbolic act that signifies the permanence and sanctity of the altar.

💡Antimon

Antimon, also known as the antimens, is a piece of cloth used in Orthodox liturgy that bears the image of Christ and is placed on the altar. The script mentions the antimon as part of the items that will be placed on the altar after the consecration.

💡Ilon

Ilon is a protective covering placed over the antimon to protect it and to add an additional layer of reverence. The script refers to the ilon as the protective layer over the antimon, emphasizing the care and respect given to sacred objects.

💡Sacrifice

In the context of the video, sacrifice refers to the offering of Christ's body and blood in the Eucharist, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. The script likens the altar to a sacrificial place, highlighting the central role of the Eucharist in Christian worship.

Highlights

Introduction of a video with a warning for non-Orthodox or Catholic viewers due to religious content.

Meeting called by the Bishop and Metropolitan in London, requiring a two-day travel.

The video is for the online community supporting the speaker on a monthly basis.

Description of the holy table of the Altar, its significance, and dimensions.

Explanation of the process of adding a layer to the holy table with the help of Father Fan.

Importance of the cross carved into the table and its central placement.

Description of the cylinder in the center of the table for placing holy relics and a scroll.

Process of consecrating the altar table with relics, a scroll, and sealing with wax mastic.

Washing of the table with water, rose water, and holy myrrh, symbolizing baptism and burial.

Dedication of the church to a saint and the significance of the church's new name.

Placement of the icons of the four evangelists on the table in wax.

Final layer of the table being put in place with difficulty and the importance of its positioning.

The table's covering with white linen, symbolizing the baptism and burial of Christ.

Use of beautiful coverings and the placement of the holy gospel on the table.

Importance of the cross and other items placed on the altar for their symbolic meaning.

Explanation of the altar as a sacrificial place, offering Christ's body and blood.

Invitation for viewers to ask questions and a promise to seek answers from the Metropolitan.

Acknowledgment of the Christian community's practices from the first century to the present.

Expression of gratitude to the viewers for their support and love.

Transcripts

hello my dear ones I feel this video

should come with a warning for those of

you who are not Orthodox or Catholic

because it contains everything that

might scare you away and I don't want

you to get scared because I love you and

I pray for you but this video will have

everything it will have icons and holy

tables and holy altars and holy relics

and Bishops and holy great myr and all

sorts of other things that might just

make you want to take a headache

pill but but I'm going to share this

video with you anyway because our Bishop

and Metropolitan has just called me and

the brothers to meet him in London so

we'll have to travel for two days down

South for that meeting and I won't have

any time to record a different video and

this is the video I had recorded for our

online community these are the people

who are supporting us on a monthly basis

and with whom we have our Zoom meetings

and um they get access to all sorts of

things as a sign of all gratitude for

their love and

support keep us in your prayers this

week and this weekend in particular

because I have a deep prayer and a deep

hope in my heart concerning this meeting

with our Metropolitan um I'll let you

know next week anyway what happens but

please just pray to God that my my

prayer and my hope are

fulfilled God bless you my beloved ones

and if you get scared just blame it on

me hello my dear ones well I promised we

would do this so let's do

this um this is the actual holy table of

the

Altar and as you can see it looks more

or less like a cube um it's supposed to

be 1 M High by 1 m

wide so the whole thing is 1 M and um

this is the table upon which we

celebrate all the services of the church

particularly and this is the the part

that is important for us the holy

sacraments Christ body and Christ

blood uh on top of this there will be

another layer which I'm going to add

with a bit of help from father fan

another board a wooden board but before

that happens I want you to see this side

of the

table um in the very middle of it at the

center of this cross which is not

necessary to appear most most older

tables I know uh do not have this cross

carved into them but we have carved them

because I am who I am and I like things

to be nice and beautiful in the center

of this Cross or the center of the table

there is this cover that comes

out and um and it is

here uh at the center of the of the alar

table that there is this um cylinder

going down and inside this

cylinder if you come come a bit closer

for the fing so they can see it inside

this cylinder our Metropolitan the local

Bishop will be uh placing the holy

relics relics from the holy Marts and

also a

scroll uh on which he signs his decision

to consecrate the altar table The Altar

and the church on that particular day

dedicated that particular Saint and in

the presence of all the clergy who are

here once everything is put in there the

relics and the scroll it all gets

covered with um uh sand and then

everything will be covered with this big

wooden cover it is going to be SE sealed

with something called wax mastic which

is a mix of wax and I believe sand and

some other things the Bishops will know

and then of course this little part in

the middle has its own cover this will

go in and then everything will be

covered with wax and with um the Seal of

the Metropolitan is going to be

sealed the idea is until the second

coming of Christ so after everything is

sealed the table itself this surface

upon which the sacraments will be

fulfilled will be washed three times it

will be washed with just water as um an

image of the baptism the baptism of

Christ Our Own baptism but actually the

baptism of the church because this is

the moment when the church is being

baptized it receives its new name this

is what the dedication to a saint means

the way when you're born you're being

called Mary or you're being called John

or whatever your name is the church our

church is going to be called St Nan's

church or St Andrews or dedicated to any

other

Saint and then is going to be washed

with rose water and holy great M

reminding us of the burial of

Christ um keep in mind that we also use

the same holy gra M when we when we have

chrismated but our baptism or

chrismation later in

life and also on this layer after

everything is being washed with water

rose water and holy great myr and this

is done only by the Bishops very rarely

they will invite a priest to contribute

with the process of

washing uh once all of that is done in

wax there going to be wax poured on

these four sides

the icons on canvas of the four

evangelists are going to be uh imprinted

on to the table so they're going to be

placed here and they'll stay here in wax

for as long as this old table will

exist and once everything is done the

last layer the wooden slab that comes on

top will be put into position and Father

F and I will try to to do that for you

now it will be quite difficult because

you have your feet your hands here you

see in these little spaces so you don't

smash your hands and also have these

little dos this thingies here to keep

the last uh layer from from moving so

father if you stop that for a second and

then we'll place it in position together

ready

okay this is very very very heavy just a

second okay make sure your hand is here

in the

Cent very very very

happy

okay okay is your hand in the center now

let go with that

one okay and I think it's in glory be to

God well that was quite an exercise but

I wanted you to see this so This precise

thing will happen in the service of the

Consecration and afterwards

the table will be covered with white

linen entirely the surface the top part

and also everywhere around it's going to

be wrapped up in white linen around this

um thin it's called the foot of the

table and then they're going to be tied

up together and once again sealed with

wax and that reminds us of two things

primarily the burial of Christ when

Christ's body was wrapped up in white

linon uh and secondarily again the

baptism of the church uh when the church

is being dressed in white in new clothes

of light the way we also at our baptism

or chrismation we dressed in white new

uh

clothing and then on top of that um

layer of white linen clothing which

nobody's going to see again after that

on top of that all those beautiful uh

coverings that you get to C are going to

be used so those go on top of the one

that seal the holy table and then over

those beautiful coverings you will

position where is it the holy

gospel if you remember from our our

previous video the first thing that goes

here is the antimon with its protective

layer the ilon over which you have the

Holy Cross on top of it you put the holy

gospel because this is the good news

this is what we are supposed to be doing

in the world and remember that on the

table deep down apart from the relics

and the decision of the bishop for this

place to be consecrated we also have the

icons of the four evangelists that have

given us the gospel and then of course

you need uh the cross we are going to

take the cross for the F come and help

me and it goes into its

place

sometimes

um sometimes instead of having a bigger

cross like this

one many churches will have them uh a

crosses being built covered in wood and

painted with the crucifixion of Christ

placed on the actual uh table I pr prer

this one simply because it allows us

more space on the table and then you'll

have the candles coming here and

there uh you'll have an

icon sometimes we love the icon of the

mother of God holding Christ in her womb

as an offering because her child our God

is becoming the food and the blood

through which we are going to be saved

and and then uh and then another

cross and that's it that's all that

should go on the AL table nothing else

sometimes you can have the the book that

you use for your services like for

example this one but in some traditions

particularly I think Russian Traditions

they don't even keep um the the books

for the service books on the a table

Romanians and Greeks and I've seen um in

Jerusalem as well they they use them so

this is everything because this is we

call it a table but ultimately it is a

sacrificial place if you can imagine

sacrificing offering a sacrifice uh like

the way they were offering uh bulls or

sheep or Rams or birds in the Old

Testament this is a place where a

sacrifice happens where Christ's body

and his blood are being offered to us

for us to eat for us to drink so that

our sins can be washed so that we are

freed of all our passions and uh and

that we can find our

Salvation if you have any questions

about anything I've shown you please let

me know and if I know the answer I'll

tell you and if I don't I'll look it up

or I'll ask all Metropolitan and I'll

let you know it's

important for us to know that what we do

has not been created by some human mind

you know a few hundred years ago but

it's what the Christian Community has

done from the first century up to our

time the blood of the martyrs and the

blessing of the current local bishop and

then you know you are part of Christ's

Church God bless you my beloved ones and

thank you for all

that you do for us for these monasteries

and for our community we could not be

here without you and you have all our

love our gratitude and our

prayers amen amen amen