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The hidden history of the Catholic Altar

The Catholic Altar is an element of great value; placed in the center between the two aisles at the back of the church, it attracts the faithful who are preparing to attend the liturgical celebration. Since its origin, the Altar is considered to be where the sacrifice or religious rite is performed.

This Catholic Altar is present in numerous religions, albeit with minor differences. The Catholic Altar was used to practice rites of purification or offering to one’s God. Today we want to tell you about the Catholic Altar’s story and its religious significance. Are you curious to know more? Keep reading!

The Holy Catholic Altar is the holiest part of a church, followed by the nave, the pronaos, and the porch. As in the Old Testament, the Jews had the Temple called the “Holy of Holies,” where only the priest was allowed to enter, so Christians now have the “Holy Altar,” where only the priests can enter. Thus, if there are the faithful in the pronaos and the nave, there are always the holy ministers in the Holy Altar.

The Holy Catholic Altar symbolizes the Last Supper table and the heavenly Throne on which Christ sat after His resurrection. This Holy Table is placed in the middle of the Holy Catholic Altar. And the Holy Table is often decorated with incense and spices. The Holy Table cannot be missing from any church. The Catholic Altar is the image of the tomb of the risen Christ.

In the middle of the Holy Altar is the Holy Mass, on which the Holy Liturgy is celebrated. That is the offering of the Sacrifice of the Saviour Jesus Christ. In addition to the Holy Mass, there are other places of honor on the Altar. Such as the Proscomidary, where the Holy Gifts are prepared. The Upper Chair represents the Throne of God; and the Deaconicon.