Utensils of the church

What are the utensils of the church, and how are they used?

Sacred vessels

Just like Moses in the Old Testament when God asked him to anoint utensils (Ex 30:29), the Church of the New Testament offers special vessels to be used in God’s house.

These include: 1. the chalice, 2. the paten, 3. the dome, 4. the spoon, 5. the cruets, 6. the ark, 7. the ciborium, 8. the book of Gospel 9. censor, 10. other articles

The chalice- The Communion Cup, into which wine and water

is mixed. - The early chalices were made from wood or glass- The Lord Himself used the chalice (Matt 26:27)- 1 Cor 10:16-21

The Paten- The small round plate, without a stand and

having no engraving. It is made of silver or gold. - Symbolises the Lord’s manger and tomb. - Claims that the Church of Lorenzo possess the

plate used by the Lord for consecrating the bread.- Other’s believe that the Lord did not use a paten

The dome (star)- Consists of two silver arched bands, held by a

screw, crossed over each other into the shape of a cross, usually surmounted by a small cross.

- Used for support (St John Chrysostom)- Shape of the tomb and reminds us of the star

that appeared to the three wise men.

The spoon- The spoon or masteer is used to administer

the blood of Christ to the people. - In the past the people used to drink directly

from the chalice, but from the sixth century the spoon was used.

The cruets - Two vessels used in holding the wine and

water. - There are other cruets for baptism,

confirmation, last Friday of great lent, bright Saturday

The ark - The ark is a box known as a ‘seat’ or a ‘throne’

and is used to hold the chalice. - Certain height and icons surrounding - The throne refers to the presence of the Lord - The ark refers to the ark of the covenant

which contained three items.

The ciborium

• The ciborium is a small vessel of silver, circular in shape and having a cover, measuring about six centimeters in diameter and height.

• It transports Holy Communion

The book of Gospel• A copy of the New Testament, covered with

silver or gold and decorated with icons. • Usually has the icon of Resurrection or

Crucifixion and the other side is St Mary and the child Jesus or a patron Saint

Censor• The Old Testament mentions the use of

incense (Ex 30:34-38)• The early church severely criticised the use of

incense in public worship as incense was offered in pagan worship.

• Constantine helped introduce the censor for worship in the Church.

• Christ received gifts of frankincense, and there are other references to incense in the bible.

• The censor symbolises the womb of St Mary as she bore the ‘true coal burning with fire’

• The thurible is the base of the censor

Other vessels

• The small box for incense, usually silver or carved wood

• The basin, usually bronze, silver or even clay • The oblation basket, small basket decorated

with crosses • Musical instruments – cymbols, triangle, and

the natural instrument

References

Fr Tadros Malaty, Church House of God, 2003