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The Third Thursday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part VIII)

THE VESTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE The Altar Table is now covered with the “Katasarkion”. This white linen cloth represents the Lord’s burial shroud. The Katasarkion is tied with a cord which represents the cord with which our Lord’s hands were tied as He stood before the High Priests. The Katasarkion will never be removed and will remain on the Altar for as long as the Church remains standing. As the Katasarkion is being placed

The Third Wednesday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part VII)

ANOINTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE The Bishop sprinkles Rosewater on the Altar Table as he recites: THE BISHOP: Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. Rosewater is a sweet smelling fragrance which was used to anoint the Body of Christ for burial.