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Questions & Answers

Divine Liturgy

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Prayer, Fasting and Worship › Divine Liturgy

The question

Could you please answer my questions concerning the Holy Divine Liturgy? What is the significance of placing the golden censor (shoria) at the right far south end of the altar?

The answer

The proper place for the censor is on the sanctuary door in order to create a cloud of incense. Just as in the tabernacle of meeting the altar of incense was before the veil in order to create a cloud of incense before the door of the altar. In general, a cloud symbolizes the presence of God; as it is mentioned in a lot of  Psalms and other places in the Holy Bible.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1154 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.