Antimensia

/ænˈtɪmɛnʃə/ noun

Definition

The plural form or a collective term for antimensia (sacred cloths or substances used in religious ceremonies, especially in Eastern Orthodox churches).

Etymology

From Greek 'anti-' (against/opposite) + 'mensa' (table), referring to altar cloths placed against or upon the altar table. In Orthodox tradition, an antimension is a cloth that consecrates an altar space and contains sacred relics.

Kelly Says

In Orthodox Christianity, an antimension is so sacred that without it, a priest literally cannot perform the Eucharist—it's like the ultimate theological requirement sheet, showing how different religions have wildly different ideas about what makes a space holy.

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