Church Symbols

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Altar Symbols

The Altar is really the Tomb of Christ, and the Tablitho or Altar-Stone speaks of the Sacred Cross. The Altar Covering, which is of linen, reminds us of the burial wrappings of the Savior. The adornment of the Altar with finely wrought vessels suggests to us that we should adorn our souls with every spiritual virtue.

The Sanctuary is to remind us of Heaven, while the steps to the Altar speak of the ascending ranks of the Angels

The curtain before the Altar and the Sanctuary is a token of the veil that stands between us and the heavenly host.

The Censer is used to spread the aroma of the

Frankincense representing the blessed aroma of heaven

to banish sin and evil.

Are pictures found in the sanctuary as a reminder and a source

of inspiration of the faithful.

The Chalice is the cup for the consecrated wine

of the Eucharist and the Paten is used to hold the

host during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist

or Holy communion. Jesus introduced the Holy

Eucharist during the last testament, the Bread

stand for the Body of Christ and the Wine for His

precious Blood.

The Shushafo is the Chalice Veil used to cover the Elements and the two small coverings for the Chalice and the Paten, besides recalling the stone before Christ’s tomb, they represent the fact that the Divine Mysteries are hidden from the understanding of men, and that we cannot comprehend how divinity and humanity are united in Christ, the Divine Word, just as we cannot perceive how the bread and the wine become the flesh and blood of Christ our God.

The two fans speak of the six winged Seraphim,

proclaiming “Holy, Holy, Holy”. The deacons

represent the Angels, and for this reason they wear

white surplices and Stoles standing for the Angels’

wings.

When shaken, the shakers represent the fluttering

Of the wings of the angels in Heaven.

The hanging lamps and candles stand for spiritual

luminaries which in turn are the Angels and the

Saints and for the illumination of our souls by the

Holy Spirit.

The following are the meaning of various church Symbols.