The altar, positioned at the center and separated from the wall, typically has two lesser altars on either side. It is called the “Throne”, symbolizing the place where God appears seated, as described in the vision of the prophet. Alternatively, it is referred to as the “Table of Life”, representing the place where divine life is communicated to humanity.
In accordance with Eastern tradition, the cross on the altar is either without a figure, painted, or carved in low relief—never in the round. It is considered a symbol of the resurrection and is called the “Cross of Light”, signifying the triumph of life over death. For this reason, it is often crafted from gold or silver and sometimes studded with precious stones. Additionally, the cross is commonly draped with a red stole, which signifies the priesthood of Christ in His sacrifice and the glory of His resurrection.
At the center of the altar is placed the “Tablitho”, a wooden tablet symbolizing the cross on which Christ died. This tablet is anointed with holy chrism and inscribed with the name of the Holy Trinity by the bishop. The tablitho now serves as the altar proper, and it is customary to offer only one Qurbana (Eucharistic celebration) on it per day.
During the Qurbana, the tablitho is covered with a corporal made of three pieces of silk cloth:
These colors beautifully symbolize the universality of the Holy Sacrifice as the offering of the entire creation in Christ.