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| holy_qurbono:the_alter_and_sacred_vessels [2025/01/04 06:35] – created smcc | holy_qurbono:the_alter_and_sacred_vessels [2025/01/04 07:50] (current) – removed smcc |
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| ====== The Altar ====== | |
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| The **altar**, positioned at the center and separated from the wall, typically has **two lesser altars** on either side. It is called the **"Throne"**, symbolizing the place where God appears seated, as described in the vision of the prophet. Alternatively, it is referred to as the **"Table of Life"**, representing the place where divine life is communicated to humanity. | |
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| In accordance with **Eastern tradition**, the **cross** on the altar is either without a figure, painted, or carved in low relief—never in the round. It is considered a **symbol of the resurrection** and is called the **"Cross of Light"**, signifying the triumph of life over death. For this reason, it is often crafted from **gold or silver** and sometimes studded with **precious stones**. Additionally, the cross is commonly draped with a **red stole**, which signifies the **priesthood of Christ** in His sacrifice and the glory of His resurrection. | |
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| At the **center of the altar** is placed the **"Tablitho"**, a wooden tablet symbolizing the cross on which Christ died. This tablet is **anointed with holy chrism** and inscribed with the name of the **Holy Trinity** by the bishop. The **tablitho** now serves as the altar proper, and it is customary to offer only **one Qurbana** (Eucharistic celebration) on it per day. | |
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| During the **Qurbana**, the **tablitho** is covered with a **corporal** made of three pieces of silk cloth: | |
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| - **Red**: Signifying the universe. | |
| - **Green**: Representing the earth. | |
| - **White**: Denoting the Holy Church. | |
| These colors beautifully symbolize the **universality of the Holy Sacrifice** as the offering of the entire creation in Christ. | |
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| ===== The Sacred Vessels of the Altar ===== | |
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| The **bread of the Eucharist** in the Eastern rites is leavened and divided into **twelve sections** impressed with twelve crosses. This bread is known as **'Bukhro'**, meaning 'first-born,' symbolizing the offering of the **'first-fruits'** and representing Christ, the **'first-born' of the Father** (//Colossians 1:15//). The bread is placed in the **paten (pinko)**, which is somewhat deep and typically has **three legs**. | |
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| The **chalice (koso)**, used to hold wine mixed with water, resembles the Western chalice in form. The **wine** represents the **blood of Christ**, while the **water** signifies the offering of the **Church**, joined with His sacrifice. | |
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| The **'star' (kaukbo)**, composed of two crossed metal hoops, protects the bread on the paten when it is covered with the **veil (hupoyo)** during the **Qurbana**. Historically, both the chalice and paten were covered with metal lids, a practice still observed in some places. | |
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| The **spoon (tarwodo)** is used by the priest to receive communion from the chalice. It is customarily placed on a small **cushion (gomuro)**, which can also be used to wipe the **mouth and fingers**. A **sponge (espugo)** was traditionally used to purify the chalice, but this is now commonly replaced by a **purificator**. A small **finger-bowl (m'shamshonitho)**, meaning 'deaconess,' is used to cleanse the fingers when they come into contact with the **Sacred Host**. | |
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| In addition to the **two small veils (hupoyos)** used to cover the chalice and paten during the Qurbana, there is a **large silk veil (shushepo)** spread over the oblations at the offertory. This veil holds **rich symbolic significance** and is solemnly waved over the gifts before the Consecration. | |
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| The **fan (marwah'tho)** is a metal disc engraved with the image of a **seraph**, adorned with small bells and fixed on a staff. It is carried in processions and shaken during the most solemn parts of the Qurbana, symbolizing the **adoration of the angels**. | |
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| The **censer (pirmo)**, featuring short chains with **twelve small bells**, is swung to its full length during the Qurbana. The censer undergoes a **solemn blessing** during the service, with symbolic meaning attached to its **four chains**: | |
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| - The first chain represents the **Father**. | |
| - The second and third chains represent the **Son** in His two natures. | |
| - The fourth chain represents the **Holy Spirit**. | |
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| It is customary to use **incense** during every Qurbana, signifying reverence and prayer. | |
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