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.