An altar is a raised table or platform that serves as the focal point of Christian worship, especially for the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper. Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and many Lutheran churches treat it as a sacred furnishing; many Protestant churches instead call theirs a communion table.
Where does the word “altar” come from?
Altar has biblical roots. In Exodus 27:1-8 (King James Version), God gives Moses instructions for a bronze altar to stand in the Tabernacle. The Jerusalem Temple later had altars for sacrifice. Christians came to use the word for the table-like place where the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper is celebrated and where clergy lead prayer. Many liturgical churches also treat the altar as a place of prayer and sacred presence rather than ordinary furniture.
Modern Jewish synagogues do not ordinarily call the Torah ark or bimah, the platform from which the Torah is read, an altar. The ancient Tabernacle and Temple each had altars used in Jewish worship.
How do different churches use an altar?
- Catholic churches have a fixed, consecrated altar, usually at the front of the sanctuary. A priest celebrates Mass there; the altar may hold the missal, chalice, paten, candles, and an altar book.
- Orthodox churches use a consecrated Holy Table as their altar. It stands in the sanctuary, often behind the iconostasis, and the Divine Liturgy centers on it.
- Anglican and many Lutheran churches retain a formal altar, commonly positioned at the front of the sanctuary.
- Baptist and many other Protestant churches more often call it a communion table. These tables are commonly movable and may stand alone or near the platform used for preaching and music.
In some evangelical churches, a contemporary service uses “altar” for a simple table or designated front area. The same churches may speak of an altar call when inviting people to come forward for prayer.
Is an altar different from a communion table?
Physically, the two can look almost identical: a table or solid top, often covered with a cloth and placed in front of the congregation. A formal altar is generally fixed and treated as sacred, while a communion table is often movable. The chosen name reflects the congregation’s own understanding of the furnishing and its place in worship.
What should a first-time visitor expect?
For a first-time visitor, the altar is usually at the front of the sanctuary, near the pulpit or lectern. It may be surrounded by candles, a cross, flowers, a Bible or service book, and Communion vessels.
During a service, people may kneel, bow, stand, or genuflect. Some Catholics kiss the altar or bow toward it; Orthodox Christians may venerate the altar and nearby icons. Incense may be offered at Catholic and Orthodox services. Weddings, funerals, and dedications may also be arranged around the altar even when Communion is not part of the service.
In a Catholic church, a tabernacle above or behind the altar may hold reserved Hosts. A rail sometimes separates the altar area from the nave, but this is not universal. Visitors can follow the congregation’s actions and should not touch the altar or its objects unless the church explicitly invites them to.