The interior of each Orthodox church is unique. At the same time, all of them are united by the uniform rules of the device for worship. One of the attributes of church furniture is lectern. It takes far from paramount place in the spiritual life of believers. However, his role in worship is worthy of special attention.
Brief definition
The first mention of lectern as an object of church life is found in the Bible, as well as in ancient liturgical books. The word itself is of ancient Greek origin and translates as "stand for books."
Church lectern is a special pedestal for liturgical books, icons, or the cross. It has a quadrangular shape. The average height of this table is 130-150 centimeters. A distinctive feature of this church attribute is a sloping countertop, which is done to facilitate the process of attaching believers to shrines and reading liturgical literature.
Kinds
There are several types of analogs that are used during the liturgy. They can vary in size, shape and appearance. Despite slight differences, analogs are generally interchangeable.
In the central part of the temple, one or more stands are installed, which are also called proskinitarians, which from the Greek language translates as "worship." Festive or temple icons are placed on them. Such items are often made in the form of pedestals or a multifaceted column. The central pedestals differ from other species in their large size and richness of appearance. A photo of a church analogue made in the form of a proskinitarian is presented below.
During worship, folding coasters are often used. In this case, the sloping tabletop is made of durable fabric, and the base is made of light wooden supports. Such analogs are lightweight and when folded do not take up much space. They are easy to move from one part of the temple to another, depending on the sacraments performed. Therefore, they are an important component of church decoration.
The church choir also uses a special stand for reading notes and chants. As a rule, this is a small tabletop with a slope, mounted on one support. Such analogs are called cholerae. Like folding, they are lightweight and mobile. In addition to the choir, they are used by clergy for the convenience of reading liturgical books during the liturgy. Choral lectern can also be made in the form of a multifaceted pyramid. Such stands are used for the convenience of singing in a large choir.
Using
As a rule, there are several analogs in the church. The biggest is the central one. Such a pedestal is placed in front of the iconostasis. On it is the main icon, which can vary depending on the holiday or the day of remembrance of the saints. Prayers, baptism, weddings, unification, and other church ordinances are held in front of the central lectern . During some ceremonies, the gospel is placed on the central pedestal.
Analogs with icons of especially revered saints are found not only in the central part, but also in other chapels of the church. Such coasters are necessary for the sacrament of confession, during which the cross and the gospel are laid on the pedestal. Such attributes, if necessary, are set in the altar.
Next to church analogs, which serve as supports for icons, there are often candlesticks where worshipers put candles for the holiday or saints. You can use such coasters not only in the church, but also when performing personal prayers by the laity and monks.
Making an analog
Analogs are made most often from a tree of the most varied species. Such coasters are distinguished by a beautifully executed thread, light weight and affordable price. Also in Christian churches you can find analogs of stone or some metals, such as bronze. They are more stable and durable, but have a higher cost.
In manufacturing, stability is an important part, and for portable stands it is light and convenient. The support is often made in the form of a cabinet. This is an important practical detail, especially in small temples. Thus, the pedestal performs several functions simultaneously: as a stand and an additional storage place for some church items.
Even a novice master can make a church lectern with his own hands, choosing a simple model. It can be a kliros or portable pedestal made of light wooden supports and strong fabric.
Lectern decoration
Church lectern can be decorated in a variety of ways. Decor is performed depending on the model with gilding, painting, embossing and other types of external design. Wooden models are distinguished by beautiful carvings made in the form of flowers or a cross. Varnishing adds nobility to the appearance, and also protects from external influences for a long time. Pedestal countertops are often covered with velvet fabric, suede, cloth of various noble colors.
Most often in churches during special holidays or fasting, the church lectern is covered with a beautiful fabric-robe in the color of the vestments of the clergy, as well as decorated with fresh flowers.
Value
Church lectern for the Orthodox church is of great importance. Ease of use and various types make it possible to use such stands for worship and various church ordinances. The variety of forms of the analogue makes it a practical attribute, and the beautifully executed appearance is an additional decoration of any Orthodox church.