Importance Of Memorial Tables And Church Banners

Memorial tables and church banners are two very widely recognized pieces of Orthodox furniture. Both of them serve very different purposes and have very different structures. Let us look at each of these items in detail.

Significance of church banners

Church banners originated as a visual means of declaring the resurrection of Jesus Christ, through which salvation of the world and victory over death has been secured. On on hand, church banner was a replica of the processional images which the Roman legions were carrying on march. On the other hand, they originate from processing the Holy Arch in the Old Testament. In any instance, the icons on the church banners symbolize the presence of the Saints depicted on those icons with the believers. Over time church banners became a medium of declaring to the world what the church is celebrating. One can find church banners in various colors and sizes and with the images of Jesus Christ, or the cross, or other saints, depending upon the occasion.

Different types of church banners

The first variety when it comes to church banners is with respect to color. While red and gold are the most commonly found combination of colors on church banners, green, purple-blue, etc., are also available in the market and used widely in Orthodox churches. The next variety is with respect to the size. Depending on who is carrying the church banner, they are available in smaller ones for children and bigger ones for adults. The most important variety is with respect to the material – velvet and brass are the most commonly used materials in making church banners.

Significance of memorial table

Memorial tables are used in the memorial services held by the Orthodox Church to remember the dead. Candles are placed on the memorial tables as a symbol of reverence and remembrance. It is a symbol of remembering the ones who have passed away and celebrating what their life taught the living.

Different types of memorial tables

Memorial tables come in different sizes, are made of different materials, and have various capacities for holding candles. One can find memorial tables that can hold from 40 to 60 candles, depending on the need. A traditional Orthodox church memorial table is made of the following materials – plywood that is water-resistant, stainless steel overlaid with Titanium Nitrine, brass, chasing, casting, enamel, and velvet, amongst others. 

All You Need to Know about Orthodox Church Banners

Banners speak louder than words. They are also an effective way to communicate an idea with a large gathering without using any words. The same logic applies to church banners as well. Different types of banners symbolize different occasions and events. This article seeks to explain some key facts about Orthodox church banners.  

A banner doesn't stand alone

When we think of banners, the only image in our minds is that of a piece of fabric with the picture of icons. However, a banner does not stand alone, a lot of other components help banners fly high. Grounding a banner firmly on the ground is the church banner support. Then comes the banner pole on which the banner is placed and finally, atop the pole an intricately designed piece is placed so that the banner stays in place as it flutters in the wind.

Church banner support

First comes the church banner support. Supports are typically made of waterproof plywood and stainless steel; however, one can also find banner supports made of brass that can support heavier poles and bigger church banners. You can find supports overlaid with gold with velvet coverings that have golden designs on them or a cross. Depending on the materials used and the designs, the price of church banner supports range from around $300 to $1000.

The pole and its top

Traditionally, the poles for church banners are made of solid wood. Each pole has two parts that are screwed together. The average price of a church banner pole is $100. Atop the poles, typically one can find crosses or a leaf shaped piece with a cross engraved on it. They are usually made of brass and overlaid with gold to add a regal touch to the banner as it waves about.

Orthodox church banners

Orthodox church banners have the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ or the Most Holy Theotokos and other lithographic or embroidered icons and each banner is used for specific occasions. All church banners have a T-shaped back support on which the fabric is attached. The fabric used for the banners include brocade silk, velvet and wool. They come in a variety of rich and beautiful colors including red, green, blue, maroon, etc. Processional banners, used on significant occasions are however, made of brass overlaid with gold. The price range of Orthodox church banners is $160- $3000.