Analogion
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(Saint Nicholas monastery, Gomel, Belarus)
An analogion (
divine services.[1]
Design
The analogion is normally slanted slightly, to make it easier for the one standing in front of it to see the icon or book laid on it. The analogion may have four legs or only one in the center. It is often covered with rich cloth (
antipendium
) which either partially or completely covers the analogion on all sides. Some analogia are made so they fold for easy portability, some are intricately carved of fine wood, and some are simple framework intended to be completely covered with cloth. They are normally light enough to be moved without too much difficulty.
There is also a type of analogion which is used in the
chanters. This often has two or three sides and turns to allow the singers to more easily use the numerous liturgical texts
required during the services.
There is an older Greek design for this type of analogion that is octagonal with a flat top instead of slanted. This style is still found in use on
mother of pearl
or other semi-precious materials.
A similar piece of furniture is called the tetrapodion, which is a table which can be set in the center of the church, usually covered with a cloth, and upon which objects are placed to be blessed.
Use
Analogia are used for the
icons, usually with a candlestand beside or behind it, or an oil lamp
burning above it. The candlestand may hold one candle and be used to shine light on the icon, or it may have places for the faithful to offer candles as they venerate the icon.
On higher-ranking feasts of the
feast being celebrated is placed thereon. At the highpoint of the service, all of the lights in the church are lit and the clergy and people gather around the icon on the analogion in the center of the temple for the chanting of festive hymns and the reading of the Matins Gospel lesson
.
During the
Holy Doors for the reading of the Gospel and altar servers will stand to either side with processional candles. If a deacon is reading the Gospel, the analogion will be set so that he faces East (towards the Altar) as he reads; if a priest
is reading, the analogion will be set so that he faces West (towards the people).
When a priest or
Sign of the Cross
and touching the foot of the Cross while making his confession.
See also
References
- ^ Parry et al. (1999), p. 27.
Bibliography
- Parry, Ken; Melling, David J.; Brady, Dimitri; Griffith, Sidney H.; Healey, John F., eds. (1999). The Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern Christianity. Malden, MA.: Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 0-631-23203-6.
External links
- The Analogion of the Protopsalte Patriarchal Church of St George, Istanbul