On Saturday 9th March, after Divine Liturgy, Fr. Roman blessed a new top for our altar table which was made by our parishioner. For what we are grateful to him.
The altar table we receive as a gift from St. Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minneapolis (Fr.Ivan Shkumbatyuk).
Here is some interesting information about the altar table.
The altar table does not merely symbolize the table of the Last Supper. It is the symbolic and mystical presence of the heavenly throne and table of the Kingdom of God; the table of Christ the Word, the Lamb, and the King of the ever-lasting life of God’s glorified dominion over all of creation.
The Book of the Gospels is perpetually enthroned on the altar table. It is on the altar table that we offer the “bloodless sacrifice” of Christ to the Father. And from the altar table, we receive the Bread of Life, the Body and Blood of the Lord’s Passover Supper. This table is the “table of God’s Kingdom” (Lk 13.29).
In Eastern Tradition, the altar table is often carved wood or stone.
The table is usually covered with a fabric covering, the color of which changes with the liturgical season.
It should always be a simple table of proportional dimensions, often a perfect cube, and is always free-standing so that it may be encircled.
On the altar table one always finds the antimension. This is the cloth depicting Christ in the tomb which contains the signature of the bishop and is the permission for the local community to gather as the Church. “Antimension” means literally “instead of the table.” Since the bishop is the proper pastor of the Church, the antimension is used instead of the bishop’s table which is, obviously, in his church building, the cathedral—the place where the bishop has his chair (cathedra).
The dimension usually contains a relic (normally a part of the body) of a saint which shows that the Church is built on the blood of the martyrs and the lives of God’s holy people. This custom comes from the early Church practice of gathering and celebrating the Eucharist on the graves of those who have lived and died for the Christian faith. Usually, a relic of a saint is embedded in the altar table itself as well.
Also on the altar table, there is a tabernacle, often in the shape of a church building, which is a repository for the Gifts of Holy Communion that are reserved for the sick and the dying.
Our tabernacle we receive as a gift from Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church-Palatine (Fr. Mykhailo Kuzma).
Also, a multi-branch candle stand, usually with seven candles, is placed near the back of the table as one looks from the nave. Also kept on the altar is the book of the Gospels.
And we need it for our St. Luke Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church. If someone would like to get it for us let us know!
The altar table may only be touched by subdeacons, deacons, priests or bishops, and nothing which is not itself consecrated or an object of veneration ought to be placed on it. Objects may also be placed on the altar table as part of the process for setting them aside for sacred use. For example, icons are usually blessed by laying them on the altar table for a period of time or for a certain number of Divine Liturgies before blessing them with holy water.
Dear Friends, we need for our altar table a multi-branch candle stand with seven candles. If someone can realize our desire let us know and we provide all the needed information.
God bless all of you.
Thank you for your Kindness and Love!
