The altar faced Eastward

[CyrilSebastian]

What in the early Church determined the position of the altar that it faced Eastward?

[Shin]

Let's see hmm. . . to the East is the rising sun at dawn. . . 

[CyrilSebastian]

The Apostolic Constitutions written between 375 and 380 AD. gave it as a rule that churches     
should have the sanctuary (with apse and sacristies) at the east end.

[eschator83]

I'm thinking that the old rules you referred to must have meant the priest must have had his back to the Congregation, until Vatican II.  Do you think the Christmas star rising in the East might have been a primary factor? 

[CyrilSebastian]

I'm thinking that the old rules you referred to must have meant the priest must have had his back to the Congregation, until Vatican II.  Do you think the Christmas star rising in the East might have been a primary factor? 

     

I do not know if the Christmas star rising in the East might have been a primary factor.