Why do church altars face east

Caskets have historically been placed with the head to the west and the feet to the east to similar to how they face in the church - that way they're facing Jesus when they are resurrected at his return. A person laying with their head to the west would face east if they were to stand up. When funerals are held in the church, it's customary during the service to place the casket with the feet toward the altar to reflect a similar image and to remind us that the deceased believer and all the company of heaven continue to worship along with the Church even in death.

One interesting exception to this custom exists, which is the funeral and burial of clergy. Clergy caskets are situated with the head facing the altar during the service and buried with their head facing east and the feet west. The reason for this is similar to above - the priest would rise to proclaim the return of Jesus to their people, which means they would be facing west to see the people.

A priest at a church I did my field work in humorously reminded me, "that means when a priest rises, he's turned his back on Jesus. Of course, it's not always practical to do so based on the land and the building.

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Copyright The Catholic Thing. All Rights Reserved. Site designed by Hyperdo Media. Developed by Fiat Insight. Toggle navigation. Books Received View List. Facing East. Brad Miner Thursday, March 5, They did not close themselves into a circle; they did not gaze at one another; but as the pilgrim People of God they set off for the Oriens , for the Christ who comes to meet us.