Only ordained members of the higher clergy are permitted to touch the Holy Table, also known as the altar. This strict regulation underscores the sacredness and significance attributed to this central element within religious worship spaces.
Permitted Individuals
Access to physically touch the altar is highly restricted to specific individuals who hold a particular ecclesiastical rank. These individuals are:
- Ordained members of the higher clergy: This typically includes bishops, priests, and deacons, whose roles involve leading sacred rites and consecrating elements. Their ordination signifies a divine calling and authorization for specific liturgical duties, which include interacting directly with the altar.
The rules governing who can touch the altar reflect centuries of tradition and theological understanding regarding its sanctity.
Objects on the Altar
Beyond human contact, there are also specific guidelines regarding what may be placed upon the altar. The Holy Table is not a general surface but rather a consecrated area reserved for specific sacred items and actions.
Objects that are allowed to be placed on the altar include:
- Consecrated items: These are objects that have been formally blessed and set apart for sacred use, such as chalices, patens, and crosses.
- Objects of veneration: These include items held in high reverence, often related to saints or holy events, which are brought to the altar for special honor or prayer.
- Items for sacred use: Objects may also be placed on the altar as part of a formal process to dedicate them for sacred use. This prepares them for future blessings or integration into religious ceremonies.
Items not consecrated or designated for veneration or sacred use are not permitted on the altar.
Altar Interaction Guidelines
To summarize the regulations concerning interaction with the Holy Table:
| Action | Permitted Individuals | Permitted Objects |
|---|---|---|
| Touching the Altar | Ordained members of the higher clergy | N/A |
| Placing on the Altar | N/A (generally done by clergy) | Consecrated items, objects of veneration, items undergoing preparation for sacred use |
Significance of the Holy Table
The altar serves as the focal point for many sacred ceremonies, embodying a place of profound spiritual importance within religious settings. Its exclusive accessibility to higher clergy and the specific regulations for what can be placed upon it highlight its role as a sacred space, central to worship and spiritual offerings.
