Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| βωμός | vomós | /voˈmos/ | masculine |
| Αγία Τράπεζα | Agía Trápeza | /aˈʝi.a ˈtra.pe.za/ | Christian, feminine |
| θυσιαστήριο | thysiastírio | neuter |
The term refers to a flat-topped structure used for religious rites.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Αγία Τράπεζα literally translates to 'Holy Table'.
Which one should you use?
There are three main ways to refer to an altar depending on the context. βωμός is the classical, pagan or general term used in archaeological or non-Christian contexts. Αγία Τράπεζα is the specific term for an altar within an Orthodox Christian liturgical context. θυσιαστήριο is a functional term that emphasizes the structure's role as a place of sacrifice rather than its specific religious status.
How does it change in a sentence?
βωμός is a masculine noun, Αγία Τράπεζα is a feminine noun and θυσιαστήριο is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
vomós
When do people say it?
If you are visiting a Greek Orthodox church, you should use Αγία Τράπεζα instead of βωμός to refer to the altar.
Did you know?
- The word τράπεζα is the exact same word used in modern Greek for a 'bank'.
- In an Orthodox church, the Αγία Τράπεζα is often consecrated with a relic of a saint placed inside the table.
- Ancient Greek altars βωμός were often placed outside temples because the smoke of sacrifices needed to rise to the open sky.
Examples in context
- Η Αγία Τράπεζα ήταν καλυμμένη με ένα πολυτελές ύφασμα.The altar was covered with a luxurious fabric.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe the appearance of the Αγία Τράπεζα.Tatoeba #9970483 by Nylez, translation #10021584 by Nylez
- Ο βωμός είναι παλαιός και σκαλιστός.O vomós einai palaiós kai skalistós.The altar is ancient and carved.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are visiting an ancient temple.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚοίτα, Νίκο, αυτός είναι ο αρχαίος βωμός.Koíta, Níko, aftós eínai o archaíos vómós.Look, Nikos, this is the ancient altar.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πολύ μεγάλος και εντυπωσιακός.Eínai polý megálos kai entyposiakós.It is very large and impressive.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕδώ έκαναν τις θυσίες παλιά.Edó ékanan tis thysíes paliá.They performed the sacrifices here in the past.
- Νίκος NikosΠραγματικά είναι ένας bijzευτερός χώρος.Pragmatiká eínai énas bijzévteros chóros.It really is a special place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “altar” translations and entries βωμός, Αγία Τράπεζα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
