Altar stone

The term Mensa (Latin for table ) referred to in the Christian tradition either the full altar ( mensa Domini, dt table of the Lord ) or just the table top of an altar, which is supported by Stipes ( table legs ).

Already in classical antiquity were tables next to altars to worship facilities. These temples tables were used for landfill or provision of sacrifices or ceremonial devices. The Christian Mensa is derived from the table of the Eucharist and has no ritual reference to the Greco-Roman temple table.

Already in early Christian Eucharistic celebrations, a table was used. Services were initially secretly in private homes instead. Here was usually just a simple table available, which was used profane outside the Assembly. Stone altars only became available with the first church buildings. The name Mensa was obtained for the plate of the altar.

In the Middle Ages canteens were exclusively rectangular; modern church altars may also have round or sigmoid cafeterias. Write canons, as a natural stone material before, but the Episcopal Conference may authorize another " dignified, durable and skillfully crafted " material.

The altar consecration the cafeteria is anointed with chrism by the bishop. Previously anointing characters were engraved in the stone as a sign of consecration.

In the refectory of the altar of a Catholic church relics are taken in by saints since the Middle Ages. Deviating from this practice, the relics can also be deposited in the stipes or under the altar today.