Enhance the Sanctity of the Holy Altar with a Richly Carved Altar Candelabra

Placed behind the Holy Altar table, the altar candelabra has special significance in church proceedings and must be selected with care. Here’s a brief look into the origins of the altar candelabrum and what’s on offer at your trusted online store for Orthodox Church supplies.

Find Mention in Old Scriptures

The altar candelabra is a freestanding, seven-branched candle stand. It takes inspiration from the Menorah, a multi-branched candelabra that’s used by followers of Judaism for important religious rituals. The Menorah finds mention in the Old Testament and there are specifications for its design that must be adhered to. It should feature three branches on either side of the central candle stand which is also the tallest. The branches should end in bowls in which to place the candle or lamp.

Hand-Crafted From Traditional Metals

Not all specifications can be adhered to in today’s times – for example, it is not possible for most Orthodox communities to purchase hand-hammered altar candelabrums constructed from pure gold. That’s why you’ll find that most stores offer altar candelabra made from brass, a traditional metal that’s not as expensive as gold. Brass altar candelabra are hand-cast by skilled metal smiths into the desired shape. They are polished to make them look lustrous and rich. If budget is not a limitation, you may consider designs that feature gold gilding.

Available in Traditional Designs

While browsing through the selection of altar candelabrums, you’ll find them in two main styles – the single-legged candelabrum and the double-legged candelabrum. Both styles are worthy choices and feature solid construction as well as high quality workmanship. Many of them feature intricate carvings and details that are executed by talented metal smiths with an understanding of Orthodox liturgical arts traditions. Candelabra come in different weights and sizes – customers can make a choice based on their style of worship, budget and other considerations.

Replicas of XV Century Prototypes

We also have unique products like Russian made seven branch candelabrums that are copies of XV century prototypes. These highly prized items are not freely available in the marketplace but Istok Church Supplies has them to satisfy the needs of discerning customers. Also among premium products are jewelry altar candle stands that feature enamel and stones. Prices of altar candle stands start from under four hundred dollars and go up to fifteen thousand dollars. Customers can avail discounts ranging from 3% to 47% on select products.

For the finest selection of altar candelabra, there’s no better place to shop than the Istok Church Supplies website!

The Importance of a Communion Spoon in Divine Liturgy and Tips for Purchasing

Are you looking to buy a communion spoon? This liturgical implement plays an important role in the Divine Liturgy and hence you need to be careful while selecting one for your Orthodox Christian church.

The Old Way of Administering Holy Gifts

Communion Spoons are sanctified objects that have liturgical uses, most importantly during Eucharist. A communion spoon is used to distribute communion offerings to laity after the Holy Gifts have been consecrated. In the early days of Christianity, both clergy and laity received Holy Communion the same way - the bread, symbolizing the Body of Christ, was received in their hands and the wine, signifying the Blood of Christ, and was consumed directly from the Communion chalice.

Communion Spoons Serve a Practical Purpose

However, concerns were raised about the ritual losing sanctity due to accidental spills. This led to the use of tongs and mixing elements together before they were placed directly in the mouths of parishioners. This gave way to the use of spoons in the 9th century and the practice of administering Holy Communion using the sacred communion spoon remains to this day. Clergy still consume the consecrated Holy Gifts the old way at the Holy Altar. Because the Holy Altar is not crowded, there is less risk of accidental spills.

Rules for Use of Communion Spoons

Carrying forward centuries of tradition and maintaining the sanctity of rituals is an important part of Orthodox Christian way of life – these concepts apply to communion spoons as well.  Communion spoons are liturgical instruments - they are not to be used for any other purpose. No person holding a lower position than that of a Deacon should touch them during service. Apart from being used to distribute Holy Communion during Divine Liturgy, a communion spoon can also be used to prepare Presanctified Gifts during Great Lent Sunday Liturgies. This special spoon is also used to prepare the Reserved Mysteries on the day of Great Thursday of Holy Week.

Construction and Appearance

Traditionally, a communion spoon is made of high quality brass. In earlier times, gold was used. In modern times, most Orthodox Churches cannot afford gold communion spoons and hence they use gold-plated communion spoons made from brass. The communion spoon has a distinctive appearance and features deep construction designed to avoid spills. It also sports engravings including a cross.  Mostly, it is available as part of a church liturgical set that includes the communion chalice, diskos, star, cup and two plates. All these Holy Vessels are placed on the Oblation Table to prepare the bread and wine for Holy Eucharist.

 

Cost Saving Avenues

Market prices of Orthodox Church communion sets range from around a thousand dollars to over one thousand and five hundred dollars. Istok Church Supplies offers considerably marked down prices and customers can save up to 29% on the market price. This along with other special offers such as every fourth purchase being free makes for substantial cost savings. Plus, customers can have the confidence that they are purchasing authentic Orthodox Christian church products in traditional styles.

To make your purchase, head to the section of Communion Chalice Cups on the Istok Church Supplies website!