In a strict liturgical church, what is considered the focal point?

In a strict liturgical church, the focal point is most commonly the altar. The altar serves as the central location for the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments, symbolizing the presence of Christ and the importance of the sacrificial aspect of the worship service.

While the cross is certainly significant in Christian worship, representing sacrifice and salvation, its role as a focal point is generally secondary to that of the altar in liturgical settings. The pulpit, which is used for preaching and delivering the Word of God, holds a prominent position as well, but the altar is where the core rituals of the faith take place. Statues, while reflective of reverence and belief, do not typically serve as a central focus in the same way that the altar does in a liturgical setting.

Therefore, the altar embodies the essence of the worship experience and is where believers come to congregate for the most sacred rites, making it the primary focal point in a strict liturgical church context.