How to Build an Orthodox In-Home Christian Altar

Small icons are available for home use.

Eastern Orthodox Christians comprise the second largest Christian communion in the world. They are raised to believe that their faith is equally integral to their home lives as it is to their practices at church each week. Most Eastern Orthodox Christians will have at least one religious icon on display in their homes; many have reading material related to the practice or history of their faith. For some, having a home altar at which to say daily prayers, burn incense, and share the teachings of the church is an essential part of child-raising and of making their home a natural extension of their church. An altar can be simple shelf or table, reverently adorned with icons and a cross, and set into a quiet corner of the room.

Things You'll Need

• Table or shelf
• Cross or crucifix
• Icon(s) of Christ and/or the Theotokos, family members' patron saints
• Icon stand(s)
• Bible
• Prayer book
• Holy water
• Vigil lamp or candle
• Incense burner

Instructions

1. Select a quiet place in the communal family living space. Whenever possible, the altar should face East.

2. Place the table securely against a wall, so that all icons and holy objects will be secure. If using a shelf, attach it to the wall at a height that allows all of the items on the altar to be used with ease.

3. Cover the table or shelf with a white cloth or the appropriate cloth or runner for the liturgical season. Depending on the time of year, the cloth could be gold, light blue and white, purple, red, green, or white.

4. Place the central icon in the middle of the table, using an icon stand to hold it erect. Arrange other icons important to the family to each side and behind it.

5. Hang the vigil lamp to illuminate the face of the icons. Burning scented oil in a votive candle glass, so that the faces of the icons are illuminated is also acceptable.

6. Place other items on the altar.

7. Have the house blessed. Presbytera Pearl Veronis suggests that the house be blessed at Theophany; however, it is also suitable to have your altar blessed immediately after it is placed.

Tips & Warnings

• The word "Theotokos" is the title that Eastern Orthodox Christians give the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Greek word that, when literally translated, mean "the One Who Bore God," or "the God Bearer."

• The Bible, prayer book, and incense should be easily accessed and placed where the icons will not be disturbed when reaching for the books or returning them to their place on the altar, as they will be used on a daily basis.

• The cross, holy water, incense, and prosforo seal will only be used occasionally, so place them accordingly.

• The cross or crucifix, palms, pussy willows, and additional icons can also be hung on the wall behind the altar.

References

• Al's Web Niche; Liturgical Vestment Colors of the Orthodox Church; 2004
• Orthodox Christian Information Center; The Icon Corner; 1987
• OrthodoxResearchInstitute.org; Building the Domestic Church; Presbytera Pearl Veronis; 1994
• Theforerunner.org; The Family Altar: Establishing a Place of Prayer; Michael Hyatt; 1996
• St. Peter Orthodox Mission; What in the World is Orthodox Christianity?, 2011
• Al's Web Niche; Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos; 2003