How many times is the altar anointed?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, during the Consecration of a Church and Altar (which is performed by a Bishop), the altar is anointed with Holy Myron exactly three times.
The ritual is performed as follows:
- The First Anointing: The Bishop pours the Holy Myron upon the center of the Altar board (the Mensa), spreading it while praying in the name of the Father.
- The Second Anointing: He anoints the Altar again, typically focusing on the corners and the edges, praying in the name of the Son.
- The Third Anointing: He completes the anointing of the entire surface, praying in the name of the Holy Spirit.
The Theological Significance
- The Trinity: The three anointings signify that the Altar is being dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It is not merely a table, but the "Throne of God."
- A New Creation: Just as a person is anointed with Myron 36 times at Baptism to become a "temple of the Holy Spirit," the Altar is anointed to become the "Holy of Holies" where the True Sacrifice is offered.
- Connection to the Body: Just as the Altar is a sacred, anointed place for the Body of Christ, our bodies were also anointed with Myron at our Baptism. We are "living altars" because we were sealed with the same Holy Oil that consecrates the Altar in the sanctuary.
In the Divine Liturgy
During the Rite of the Proscomide (the Preparation of the Lamb), the Priest signs the Bread and the Wine with the sign of the cross three times while saying the prayers of "Glory and Honor..." (as noted in the rites of the Holy Liturgy). While this is a "signing" and not a "Myron anointing," the frequency of three remains constant to signify the blessing of the Holy Trinity upon the sacrifice.