The Altar

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.

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.

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.

During the Qurbana, the tablitho is covered with a corporal made of three pieces of silk cloth:

1. Red: Signifying the universe.
2. Green: Representing the earth.
3. White: Denoting the Holy Church.

These colors beautifully symbolize the universality of the Holy Sacrifice as the offering of the entire creation in Christ.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

1. The first chain represents the Father.
2. The second and third chains represent the Son in His two natures.
3. The fourth chain represents the Holy Spirit.

It is customary to use incense during every Qurbana, signifying reverence and prayer.