Dikirion and Trikirion
Dikirion and Trikirion are liturgical candlesticks, often quite ornate, used when the Divine Liturgy is celebrated by a bishop. In the Byzantine Tradition they are also used in Matins and Vespers services presided by bishops.
Both the dikirion and trikirion have a flat base, so that they may be stood upright. Above this base is a vertical shaft terminating in candleholders. The dikirion holds two candles, representing the dual natures of Jesus Christ (i.e., fully God and fully man), and the trikirion holds three, representing the three persons of the Holy Trinity.
During a hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the dikirion and trikirion are kept respectively on the northeast and southeast corners of the altar or on stands placed next to these corners. When they are needed by the bishop, they are carried to him by subdeacons or deacons, who may also carry them during the censing by the deacon or during the Great Entrance. The trikirion is always on the bishop's right, and the dikirion on his left.
