People who recently began to join the Orthodox faith have many questions. It is difficult to independently understand the services. It is unclear how to behave in the church, which symbolizes the internal structure of the temple. Today we will talk about an elongated table with an inclined board on which clergy place icons and books. This is a lectern. What is connected with this subject of church decoration?
Assignment of analogs
An unusually sounding word came to us from the Greek language. It translates as "book stand". The meaning of the word "lectern" in modern times has not changed. So they call a tetrahedral table - high enough with a sloping top board. Books, icons are still placed on it. There are several types of analogs:
- Folding. It is made in the form of a curbstone on one or four legs. During the service, he is covered with a cloth in the color of the vestments of the clergy and is used to place books. This is a portable option, installed as needed.
- Proskinitarium. This is a lectern under the icons, quite massive.
- Klirosny . It is a pillar or cabinet with shelves that end with a pyramid of several faces. Such designs are used to place scores, they are installed on the choirs.
Side or center?
Lectern is an object that performs an applied function in the temple. From ancient times in the Orthodox Church, these tables were portable. Analogs with icons were usually placed to the right of the royal gates. The center of the temple was an altar, symbolizing the kingdom of heaven, from which the Savior descends into our sinful world.
In the Catholic Church, on the contrary, a lectern with an icon is located in the center before the throne. It is decorated with flowers, candles and attracts the main attention of worshipers. Recently, this is often observed in Orthodox churches. On the central lectern are placed holiday icons, saints. Many clergymen protest against innovation, as this leads to trampling on traditions, shifting attention from the altar, the symbol of the High World, to a specific icon.
Lectern is a necessary helper during worship. Like thousands of years ago, he stands in the temple, serving as a stand under the icon. And we have the opportunity to adhere to them, in contact with divine grace.