The Sacristy
At the North
end of the Altar (in ancient times a separate room, called the Sacristy or
Chapel of the Oblation (sometimes Chapel of Preparation in Russian,
Zhertvinnik) is placed the Table of Oblation (offering or Prothesis) where the
offerings are prepared during the Proskomedia or Liturgy of Preparation. Like
the Holy Table, the Table of Oblation is covered with rich coverings and the
wall around it is decorated with Icons. Upon it are placed the sacred vessels
used in the preparation of Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
Paten (Diskos)
This is a round
vessel with a foot, upon which are placed the Lamb and the particles taken out
from the breads (prosphora) in memory of the Theotokos, the Forerunner, the Saints,
the Living and the Dead.
This consists
of two bands of metal joined by a screw which, when put together, form the
shape of a Cross. This is placed over the Paten after the Lamb and particles
have been placed thereon, to support the veil above the Paten and also to keep
the particles in order.
Spear
This is a
lance-shaped knife, representing the spear with which the Savior's Body was
pierced, used to take particles out of the breads.
Chalice
This is a cup
with a foot into which the wine, mixed with water is poured during the
preparation of the Sacrament. To the Chalice also belongs a small Ladle (Zeon)
with which the mixed wine and water are poured into the Cup, and also used for
the warm water (hence the name Zeon hot water) poured into the Chalice at the
Communion of the Clergy.
Spoon
This is used to administer the Sacrament
at the Communion of the Faithful.
Sponge
There are two
Sponges (cut from natural sponges) one used at the Holy Table and one used at
the Table of Oblation. That used at the Holy Table to wipe the particles from
the Paten into the Chalice, is usually kept in a fold of the Antimension and
thus is called the Antimension Sponge. The other is kept on the Table of
Oblation to wipe the Chalice after it has been washed at the end of the Liturgy
and thus is called the Cleansing Sponge.
Veils
Three Veils are
used: two smaller ones to cover the Paten and Chalice, protecting the Lamb and
particles from dust and insects, and a larger Veil, with which the Paten and
Chalice and their respective Veils are together covered. This is usually called
the Aer since it covers the Holy Vessels even as air covers the earth.
Censer
This is a
cup-shaped vessel with a cover held by three chains uniting into one handle,
within which are placed a piece of burning charcoal and incense. This is swung
at many places during the Divine services, representing the prayers of the
faithful ascending to Heaven. At the Liturgy of Preparation, the Censer, with
the incense, represents the gifts offered by the Magi to the Infant Christ
gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The Vestry
At the right
(South) side of the Altar is a space reserved for the sacred vessels, books and
vestments, called the Vestry (or Diakonnikon, since the Deacons are usually in
charge of these items). In ancient times this was a separate room and here the
faithful would bring all sorts of edible gifts (cheese, eggs, boiled rice or
wheat, etc.) for the clergy.
Source:
http://www.stots.edu/
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