<P> In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Holy Mysteries (reserved sacrament) are kept in a tabernacle (Greek: αρτοφοριον / artophorion) or ark (Slavonic: ковчег / kovchég) on the altar at all times . The tabernacle is normally wrought of gold, silver, or wood and elaborately decorated . It is often shaped like a miniature church building, and usually has a cross on the top of it . It may be opened using small doors, or a drawer that pulls out . Some churches keep the tabernacle under a glass dome to protect it (and the Holy Mysteries) from dust and changes in humidity . </P> <P> The Orthodox do not have a concept of Eucharistic adoration as a devotion separated from the reception of Holy Communion . But the Holy Mysteries are treated with utmost respect, as they believe in the Real presence of the Body and Blood of Christ . The clergy must be vested whenever they handle the Holy Mysteries . During the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (wherein Communion is received from the reserved Sacrament), when the consecrated Holy Mysteries are brought out during the Great Entrance, everyone makes a full prostration--even the chanters stop singing and prostrate themselves while the entrance is made in silence . </P> <P> When Orthodox Christians receive Holy Communion, they always receive in both species: the Body and the Blood of Christ . This includes Communion taken to the sick . Therefore, both are reserved in the tabernacle . Every year on Holy Thursday, the reserved Mysteries are renewed . The priest will cut an extra Lamb (host) for that liturgy and after the consecration, just before the clergy receive communion, the priest will take the extra Lamb and carefully pour a little of the Blood of Christ over it . This Lamb will then be cut into very small portions, allowed to dry thoroughly, and be placed in the tabernacle . The deacon (or priest, if there is no deacon) will consume whatever remains of the previous year's reserved sacrament when he performs the ablutions . </P> <P> Typically, a sanctuary lamp is kept burning in the Holy Place (sanctuary) when the Mysteries are reserved . This may be a separate lamp hanging from the ceiling, or it may be the top lamp of the seven - branch candlestick which sits either on top of the Holy Table or behind it . </P>

Where is the host kept in the church