Katasarkion
The Katasarkion, also Srachitsa, is the "baptismal garment" of the altar table (holy table) installed at the time of the consecration of a church. The katasarkion symbolizes the shroud in which our Lord, Jesus Christ, was wrapped for burial. It is a cloth, usually of 100 percent white linen, that is tied to the altar table with a cord that represents the cord with which our Lord's hands were tied when he stood before the high priests of Israel. The katasarkion is permanently installed on the table and remains as long as the church stands.
