The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.
Why direction matters
Prayer is not only a thought inside the head. In the Liturgy, the body is taught to pray with the mind and heart: standing, bowing, crossing, and turning toward the altar. Facing east gathers the faithful into one visible act of expectation.
The direction also makes the prayer of the Church less individualistic. The faithful are not each choosing a private focus; they are turned together toward the altar and toward the hope of Christ’s appearing.
East as a sign of Christ
The Church worships the Creator. The rising sun is a sign that points beyond itself to Christ, the true Light. The direction helps the faithful remember the Resurrection and wait for the Lord with hope.
When people turn toward the altar, follow as you are able. The point is shared prayerful attention, not technical perfection about compass direction.
In parish practice, the altar usually gives this direction its visible shape. Facing east means standing with the Church in expectation, light, and resurrection hope.