Difference between revisions of "Antimension"

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The '''antimension''' (Greek for "instead of the table") is one of the furnishings of the [[altar]].  It is a rectangular piece of cloth, of linen or silk, with representations of the entombment of [[Christ]], the four [[Evangelist]]s, and scriptural passages related to the [[Eucharist]].  It often has a very small [[relics|relic]] sewn into it. It is unfolded on the altar before the [[Anaphora]], and the Eucharist is consecrated on it. The antimension must be consecrated and signed by the [[bishop]], indicating his permission for the Eucharist to be celebrated in his absence. It is, in effect, the priest's permission to officiate.
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The '''antimension''' (Greek for "instead of the table") is one of the furnishings of the [[altar]].  It is a rectangular piece of cloth, of linen or silk, with representations of the entombment of [[Jesus Christ|Christ]], the four [[Evangelist]]s, and scriptural passages related to the [[Eucharist]].  It often has a very small [[relics|relic]] sewn into it. It is unfolded on the altar before the [[Anaphora]], and the Eucharist is consecrated on it. The antimension must be consecrated and signed by the [[bishop]], indicating his permission for the Eucharist to be celebrated in his absence. It is, in effect, the priest's permission to officiate.
  
 
The antimension is a substitute altar. A priest may celebrate the Eucharist on the antimension even if there is no properly consecrated altar. In emergencies, war and persecution, the antimension serves a very important pastoral need. The [[eileton]] is now often used to wrap the antimension when it is not in use.
 
The antimension is a substitute altar. A priest may celebrate the Eucharist on the antimension even if there is no properly consecrated altar. In emergencies, war and persecution, the antimension serves a very important pastoral need. The [[eileton]] is now often used to wrap the antimension when it is not in use.
  
 
[[Category:Liturgics]]
 
[[Category:Liturgics]]

Revision as of 15:21, February 15, 2005

The antimension (Greek for "instead of the table") is one of the furnishings of the altar. It is a rectangular piece of cloth, of linen or silk, with representations of the entombment of Christ, the four Evangelists, and scriptural passages related to the Eucharist. It often has a very small relic sewn into it. It is unfolded on the altar before the Anaphora, and the Eucharist is consecrated on it. The antimension must be consecrated and signed by the bishop, indicating his permission for the Eucharist to be celebrated in his absence. It is, in effect, the priest's permission to officiate.

The antimension is a substitute altar. A priest may celebrate the Eucharist on the antimension even if there is no properly consecrated altar. In emergencies, war and persecution, the antimension serves a very important pastoral need. The eileton is now often used to wrap the antimension when it is not in use.