Church Products That Elevate Worship in The Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church places great emphasis on creating a reverent and solemn atmosphere within the church building. Church supplies, such as liturgical censers, Orthodox Epitaphios, and memorial tables, amongst others, play an important role in achieving this atmosphere and elevating the overall worship experience. Below, we have delved into the significance and usage of these items and listed out things to consider while buying them.
Liturgical censers — lifting prayers to God
Liturgical censers are metal vessels used in the Eastern Orthodox Church to burn incense during worship services. The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is important to choose a censer that is sturdy and able to withstand heavy use. The material of the censer should be durable and able to withstand the heat of incense, like brass or German silver. The design of the censer should be visually appealing with gold-gilding or jewel decorations and complement the overall aesthetic of the worship space. Furthermore, the size of the censer should be appropriate for the size of the church building so that the smoke spreads across the space evenly.
Orthodox Epithaphios — reminding believers of victory
The Orthodox Epitaphios is a large, embroidered cloth banner that depicts the burial of Jesus Christ. The icon is used during the Easter season, particularly on the Great and Holy Friday, when it is carried in a procession around the church and then laid on the altar as part of the ceremonies commemorating the death of Jesus Christ. The Orthodox Epitaphios is a symbol of hope and redemption, as it reminds believers of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead and His victory over death. They are made of different materials like velvet and wool and are intricately designed by hand. The color of the trims and the fabric are complementary, like gold and maroon, blue and silver, blue and gold, etc., to add to its beauty.
Memorial Tables — revering the dearly departed.
A Panikhida is a memorial service held to pray for the repose of the soul of a deceased person. During the Panikhida, the priest recites prayers and hymns, and the faithful offer their own prayers and condolences for the deceased. The service is typically held in the church, and a special table called a “memorial table” is often set up in the center of the church to serve as a focus for the service. The memorial table is typically adorned with candles, flowers, and other decorations, and it may also be adorned with icons and other religious images. It should be large enough to hold all necessary items and decorations, made of sturdy wood with elaborate and elegant designs consistent with the style and decor of the church, and able to support the weight of items placed on it.
Summary: This article discusses the significance and use of Liturgical censers, Orthodox Epitaphios, and memorial tables, along with factors to consider while buying these products.
