ON THE DIVINE LITURGY

The ALTAR corresponds to the holy tomb of Christ. This was prefigured when the blood of the lamb turned the destroyer away from the homes of the Israelites while in Egypt. "For Christ, our Pasch has been sacrificed for us." The altar is the heavenly and spiritual altars where priests serve God.

The BEMA or sanctuary, where the throne of Christ presides, is a reminder of the second coming when Christ will sit on His throne to judge the world.

The ENTABLATURE is a decoration representing a depiction of the crucified Christ. 

The CHANCEL BARRIERS indicate the place of prayer; the outside is for the people, the inside is for the priest or canon or contemplative nuns. 

The AMBO represents the stone on which the angel sat after he rolled it away from the door of the sepulchre proclaiming the resurrection of the Lord.

PRAYING towards the EAST, which was handed down by the apostles, is because Christ appeared on earth in these regions. 

On Sunday worship and prayers, Christians DO NOT KNEEL as a sign that our fall has been corrected through the resurrection of Christ on the third day. 

St. Germanus, "On the Divine Liturgy"

(06-27-03)