Altar tour, continued: the Holy Table. The Holy Table (or Altar Table) is the most conspicuous item in the Altar (which recall refers to the entire space behind the iconostasis) due to its central location as well as being where all the “action” takes place. Ours is a little taller since Fr. Iggy is ginormous, but typically the Holy Table is about a meter square (the stone top on ours is), made of wood or stone, sometimes covered with brocade, upon which the Holy Mysteries are celebrated. Ours is made of a single column representing Jesus Christ, while some are supported by four columns representing the Gospel writers. On top of the Holy Table are the antimension, the Gospels, the artophorion, a few red cloths, and the Holy Spoon and Spear(s) used for Holy Communion.
On the front of the Holy Table as you’ll notice when the Royal Doors are open, there is a Cross on top of a pediment (the little 3-step thingy) - this represents Golgotha where Christ was crucified, because in the Divine Liturgy we celebrate His Passion through which eternal life is granted to us. The Holy Table also represents the Throne of God because through the Holy Mysteries celebrated upon it we partake in the saving and sanctifying grace God bestows upon us as His people. The Holy Table may only be touched by subdeacons, deacons, priests, and bishops, and any objects placed upon it, such as crosses to be worn on the breast, icons, and so forth, are allowed because they will be consecrated or blessed as an object worthy of our veneration.