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Sacred vessels are the items used in Divine Worship. According to the canons of the Church, once a sacred vessel has been used in Divine Worship, it is not allowed to be used for other purposes. Sacred vessels are categorized into two groups:
The Holy Chalice must be distinct from other sacred vessels because it holds the Holy Body and the precious Blood of our Lord. It is from the Holy Chalice the faithful receive the Holy Communion. It reminds us the Holy Cup the Lord used during the Last Supper.
Upon this, parts of the Offering Bread -Prosforo- are placed during the preparation for the Holy Eucharist. It symbolizes the entire world, with the Lamb of God placed in its center, as He is the Savior of the world.
It consists of two curved supports that intersect, to form a star. It is placed over the Holy Paten to protect the Holy Gifts, covering them with the veil. The star symbolizes the firmament above the world.
This is used to administer Holy Communion to the faithful. It is a small spoon used to distribute the Holy Body and Precious Blood.
It is a small, lance-like knife. It reminds us of the spear that pierced the Holy Side of the Lord while He was on the Cross. The priests use it to remove the "Lamb" and the other portions from the prosphoro during the preparation of the Holy Gifts.
These are two small sponges. One sponge is used to clean the Holy Chalice, and the cloth is used to collect the particles that fall from the paten onto the antimension. It symbolizes the sponge with which vinegar and gall were offered to the Lord on the Cross.
This is a small vessel used to heat the water that is poured into the Holy Chalice. It symbolizes the fervor and warmth that our faith should possess. "Zeon" also refers to the hot water within it.
This is typically a metal vessel shaped like a small church. It is placed on the Holy Table (Altar) and contains the reserved Body of the Lord, soaked in the Precious Blood. It is used for emergencies, such as administering Holy Communion to the gravely ill. In addition to the larger Artoforion, there are two smaller, one used specifically for visiting the sick and the passing in Hospitals, and the other for preparing the Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
This is a sacred vessel used to burn incense during various parts of the Divine Liturgy and other church services. The incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as described in Psalm 140:2, "Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense." The smoke of the incense also represents the presence of the Holy Spirit and is a reminder of the purification and sanctification of the space where the worship takes place.
Commonly known as "kandélia" in Greek, they are lit with olive oil in front of the Beautiful Gate and the Holy Icons. The oil symbolizes God's compassion and mercy, and the light represents our lives, which should be bright and holy.
They are used to hold the candles. The candles remind us that, like them, our hearts must be shaped, influenced by the Word of God, and softened by Divine Love.
These are usually metallic disks on poles, depicting Angels with six wings, showing how quickly they execute God's will. They are used in ecclesiastical processions and ceremonies.
Known as "kolymvíthra" in Greek. In it, Holy Baptism is performed. It symbolizes the Jordan River.
It is a metallic vessel where the Holy Myrrh is kept for the sacrament of Chrismation or Confirmation. Attached to it is a small pair of scissors used for tonsuring during the sacrament of Baptism.
These metallic, cone-shaped instruments with their sweet sound call us to the church. They also announce various joyful or mourning events.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Community of Hamilton
22 Head Street, Hamilton ON L8R 1P9
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