The Holy of Holies is the most sanctified place within the Temple.
The innermost sanctuary, separated from the rest of the Temple structure and holding profound religious significance. Its sacred nature dictated strict rules regarding access and the items housed within it.
Old Testament Context
In the Old Testament context, the Holy of Holies was the central and most sacred chamber of the Tabernacle and later the Temples in Jerusalem. Its inner dimensions measured twenty cubits squared.
The primary item housed in the center of the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant.
In the centre of the Holy of Holies stood the Foundation Stone (Even Shetiya). Placed there by David and Samuel, tradition holds that the world was created and emanated from this stone. Its height was three "fingers". According to Midrash, this stone was formed from the transformation of the twelve stones Jacob used as a pillow at Luz, which fused into a single stone after his dream of the ladder to heaven (THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT).
During the Second Temple era, after the Ark was hidden, the High Priest would rest the shovel holding burning coals and incense upon the Foundation Stone when offering incense on Yom Kippur.
Access to the Holy of Holies was severely restricted. Only the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) was permitted to enter, and only on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
New Testament Context
Orthodox Christian temples maintain the form and function of the Old Testament Temple model. Orthodox churches are divided into specific areas based on function, analogous to the courts and chambers of the ancient Temple.
In Orthodox Christianity, the area located at the east end of the church building, behind the Iconostasis (icon screen), corresponds to the Holy of Holies. This entire area is called the altar and is considered the most sacred part of the temple.
The Altar area is where the Holy Table (upon which the Eucharist is celebrated) is situated. It is believed to be where the Holy Spirit descends, transforming the offering of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Similar to the ancient Holy of Holies, access to the altar area in an Orthodox church is highly restricted. Only those who receive a specific blessing from the bishop or priest are permitted to enter. Entry is allowed only for individuals who have a particular reason, task, or function to perform there. A blessing must be received for entry each and every time, even by those who serve regularly in the altar area. One should never simply wander into the altar without a blessing.
Within the altar area, certain sacred items such as the Holy Table, the Proskomedia Table (table of preparation), and the discos and chalice should never be touched by anyone other than a bishop, priest, or deacon. The sacredness of these items stems from their being set apart and blessed by the Church for the worship of God.
Orthodox worship approaches God with fear and awe, bowing before His Throne with reverence, mirroring the worship of the ancients. The worship offered on earth is understood as an image of the worship taking place before the Throne in Heaven.