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Sixth Century Holy Table

The holy table in the Sinai basilica was installed in the middle of the sixth century. It has remained intact to our own day.

The outer wooden casing, adorned with inlaid mother of pearl and tortoise shell, was added in the eighteenth century.

9 comments to Sixth Century Holy Table

  • Maria

    I love this precious phοtography! I have never seen it before. I am thankful to yοu Father Justin.

  • Ekaterina

    Do you still commit Liturgy on this holy table?

    • Father Justin

      The holy table has been in place for over one thousand four hundred and fifty years. It is still in use. It is an example of the overwhelming sense of continuity that is here at Sinai.

  • Maria

    . . . overwhelming sense of cοntinuity . . . Perfect expression!

  • Doumé

    Father Justin,
    Good evening. Thank you so much for sharing to us your so inspired pictures from the monastery.
    Your last post about the holy table is really amazing !
    Do you know where this stone is coming from ?
    The very clear color, almost white with some gray lines looks similar to marble coming from Prokonnesos island in Marmara sea and widely used in Constantinople. Hagia Sophia and Saint Catherine’s Monastery, both built under Justinian in sixth century might have shared this same high quality marble.
    Am I dreaming or there is some truth in this ?
    Thank you for your answer and for the happiness you bring to us.
    Doumé

    • Father Justin

      You are quite right. The sixth century marble at Sinai is from the Prokonnesos Island in the Sea of Marmara. It is the same marble that was used for Hagia Sophia.

  • Ekaterina

    God let us to spend a week in the monastery of St. Catherine in October last year – it felt as if we moved to 7th century…Time there does not exist

  • Doumé

    Thank you father Justin for your clear answer about the marble origin.
    This creates a deep link between Hagia Sophia and St. Catherine.
    I wish to spend some days in Sinaï in a near future.

  • kevin

    One of my lasting memories that i will forever cherish, was the time we got to spend with you. Your guided tour made it extra special for us soldiers during my mfo tour. I can still remember feeling the presence of God and how humbling that trip was.

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