Everyone knows that when attending church it is necessary to observe certain rules of conduct, many of which seem to concern only women. From the point of view of a modern person, it is impossible to rationally explain them, and in order to find out, for example, why women cannot enter the altar, you will have to ask an Orthodox priest for an explanation - or read this article.
Perhaps the woman is unclean?
This assumption about female nature in the perception of Christian apologists comes to mind first of all, it is stereotypical. Why are women not allowed to enter the altar, except because she is an unclean being, unworthy to be in the sanctuary?
Actually, of course not. If the fair sex was seen by the Orthodox as something dirty, then no one would at leastrevered the Most Holy Theotokos and many holy women. For Christian morality there is no fundamental difference whether we are men, women, priests or lay people. We all go to salvation in God. Thus, this is not an answer to the question why women cannot enter the altar, the Church makes demands on everyone, regardless of gender.
Then why can't you go in there?
If we look into the Syntagma, a kind of dictionary of church law, we will find that none of the laity can enter the altar - including men. The exception is the anointed of God, the ruler, and then he can go there only if he wants to bring some valuable gift.
What is an altar? This is the holiest place in the church where the Bloodless Sacrifice is performed. The laity are uninitiated people, and because of this they cannot make a sacrifice, therefore, they cannot enter the sanctuary.
The altar is separated from the main space of the temple by a high majestic iconostasis with the Royal Doors in the center - anyone who has been in the temple knows this. In the Catholic, and even more so Protestant, churches, everything is arranged a little differently, and the rules are different there, so we are primarily talking about the Orthodox church. The separation of the altar is necessary for two reasons. Firstly, in the church, especially during major holidays, many people often gather, a crowd forms. Even if parishioners try to behave as politely as possible and not disturb others, a slight turmoil cannot be avoided. Such worldly vanity in no waycase should not extend to the space of the altar. There must be peace and prayerful order. Secondly, the sacrament performed in the altar during worship should not be seen by the laity. The priests themselves need to handle the blood and flesh of Christ with the utmost care.
But different people enter the altar
Indeed, church rules are changing, and now we can see some lay people in the altar, for example, if this is a sexton who helps lead the service, but does not have a church rank. Why are women not allowed to enter the altar? After all, we can see nuns in women's monasteries who calmly go there, serving the clergy in the same way. In the distant past, there were deaconesses who had the right to conduct worship.
However, in the modern Orthodox Church, this practice has long been gone. However, as for the history of the church, in the first centuries of its existence, only the high priest could enter the altar once a year, no more, so this place was perceived as absolutely holy, requiring special reverence.
Small clarification
However, for women there are still special instructions on this matter. Why are women not allowed to enter the altar? The concepts of Christianity suggest that blood should not defile the church in principle, and menstruation is an obstacle in order to even participate in worship, let alone go to the altar. Thus, only nuns have access there, but only the elderly.
What happens ifwoman going to the altar?
Actually, it's okay. She would not desecrate a sacred place in this way, but she would still violate church rules. This is the answer to the question why women should not enter the altar. Certain requirements presuppose this, and violation of them will entail the need for repentance, the recognition of one's offense, one's guilt. In any case, everyone needs to know their place and follow the established rules.
