Why put something not needed in front of the altar to clutter it? It’s gimmickry! And an altar in front of an altar. Only one is needed and the hidden one preferred!
As I understand Roman rubrics, even the revised books, nothing should prevent the priest from approaching from the front.
Agree, the cross is gimmicky. Likely another instance of "Art and Environment Committee" imposing superfluous decorations for lent. It's clutter, not more "meaningful". True, some might like, and another here would chastise me for denying them that experience then in the same breath suggest that Liturgy MUST change and the Bulletin is an adequate proxy for that changed liturgy that is now missing teaching elements formerly present.
None of this is a consideration in the Byzantine East given the priest's place during Divine Liturgy. Nothing that does not have an outright purpose is permitted in the Holy Place or on the Holy Table.
All that aside, easily one of the most stunning carved high altars I've seen. Pity it isn't used as intended.
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As I understand Roman rubrics, even the revised books, nothing should prevent the priest from approaching from the front.
Agree, the cross is gimmicky. Likely another instance of "Art and Environment Committee" imposing superfluous decorations for lent. It's clutter, not more "meaningful". True, some might like, and another here would chastise me for denying them that experience then in the same breath suggest that Liturgy MUST change and the Bulletin is an adequate proxy for that changed liturgy that is now missing teaching elements formerly present.
None of this is a consideration in the Byzantine East given the priest's place during Divine Liturgy. Nothing that does not have an outright purpose is permitted in the Holy Place or on the Holy Table.
All that aside, easily one of the most stunning carved high altars I've seen. Pity it isn't used as intended.
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