Astaric or Star (Kaukbo) This is made of silver or gold, in the shape of a cross like, star with the four ends bending downwards and is used to support the veil above the Paten, so that the veil (Kabilana) may not touch the Holy Bread. It is the symbol Read more…
Kabilana Kabilana is small piece the richly embroidered cloth coverings of the Holy Vessels, the Paten and Chalice. The name means receptacles. There is a word in Syriac ‘Mcbilon’ meaning receptacle or accepting. The correct name for this is ‘Hoofoyo’ or ‘cover’. They are square in shape, richly stitched embroidered Read more…
The Paten (Peelasa) and Chalice (Kasa) are the sacred vessels in which the Eucharist Elements are kept, before and after consecration. The chalice and paten occupy the first place of importance and significance among the sacred vessels, for in the chalice the precious blood of Christ is consecrated, and in Read more…
This is a rectangular, miniature, and portable altar measuring 18″ long, 12″ broad and 0.5″ thick. Thus, the Thabilitho can be said to be a Mini Altar (Thronos). The word means plate or tablet. It is kept in the middle of the Holy Altar and is made of wood or Read more…
In the early centuries of Christianity, first lamps and then candles were used for lighting. Light is symbol of the presence of God. Light symbolises Divine presence. Israel experienced presence of Jehovah through the pillar of fire at night. “God is light (1 Jn. 1: 5) and in Him is Read more…
Altar Cloth The Altar cloths are special cloths, used to cover the Holy Altar during worship services and celebrations. They often left on the altar when it is not in use. They consist of a white linen, Chitola, the front draping and the Corporal (Virikoottam) White Linen The Holy altar Read more…
The Sign of the Cross is a holy, life-giving symbol of our salvation, the principal symbol of the Christian religion, symbol of our deliverance and emblem of the mercy of God, giving redemption to sinful man. It is a symbol of recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. A Read more…
‘He who seeks not the Cross of Christ, Seeks not the Glory of Christ’ – St John of the Cross The veneration of the Cross is a topic, which many Orthodox Christians are confused about. The fact is that we worship Crucified Christ not the cross-shaped wood. We venerate the Read more…
The Holy Cross is the most significant object in the sanctuary and holds a unique powerful place, in the Christian faith, Christian tradition and in the worship of the Orthodox Church. It is kept at the top center of the Holy Altar, placed directly in between the Candlesticks, to be Read more…
These are round metallic disk representing a Seraphim’s head surrounded by six wings, mounted on an upright shaft. These are made of silver or some metal and are always used in pairs. The center of the fans, the seraphic face and the wings are represented (Is. 6: 14; Rev. 4: Read more…