maqdas (holy of holies of an Ethiopian church)

E1002358

The maqdas is the innermost, most sacred chamber of an Ethiopian Orthodox church, where only clergy may enter and where the church’s consecrated altar tablets are kept.

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Observed surface forms (1)

Surface form Occurrences
maqdas 0

Statements (47)

Predicate Object
instanceOf architectural element
liturgical space
sacred space
accessPrerequisite ordination
ritual purity
accessRestrictedTo clergy
accessRule laity forbidden to enter
accessTime during Divine Liturgy
during specific sacraments
architecturalPlan usually square or rectangular room
associatedObject altar
altar cross
liturgical vessels
canonicalStatus essential part of a fully functioning Ethiopian Orthodox church
consecrationRequirement must contain at least one tabot
contains consecrated altar tablet
tabot
etymologyLanguage Geʽez NERFINISHED
hasLiturgicalFurnishing altar canopy (where present)
curtains with symbolic colors
icon or image of Christ
influencedBy Old Testament temple imagery
liturgicalFunction place for the altar
space for Eucharistic celebration
locatedWithin Ethiopian Orthodox church NERFINISHED
orientation eastern end of the church
relatedConcept Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple NERFINISHED
chancel
sanctuary
religiousSignificance focus of divine presence in the church
place of highest ritual purity
religiousTradition Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church NERFINISHED
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church NERFINISHED
roleInChurchBuilding innermost chamber
most sacred chamber
separatedFrom qeddest
qene mahlet
separationBy curtain
wall
symbolizes Ark of the Covenant NERFINISHED
Holy of Holies NERFINISHED
heavenly sanctuary
usedFor blessing of holy oils
ordination rites
reservation of the Eucharist
visibilityFromNave curtain drawn at key liturgical moments
partially concealed

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Tabot locatedIn maqdas (holy of holies of an Ethiopian church)