The interior decoration of each Orthodox church is unique. At the same time, all of them are united by uniform rules for the organization of worship. One of the attributes of church furniture is the lectern. It occupies a far from paramount place in the spiritual life of believers. However, his role in the celebration of worship deserves special attention.
Short definition
The first references to the lectern as an object of church life are found in the Bible, as well as in ancient liturgical books. The word itself is of ancient Greek origin and translates as "book stand".
Church lectern is a special pedestal for liturgical books, icons or a cross. Has a quadrangular shape. The average height of such a table is 130-150 centimeters. A distinctive feature of this church attribute is a sloping tabletop, which is made to facilitate the process of attaching believers to shrines and reading liturgical literature.
Views
There are several types of lecterns that are used during the liturgy. They can vary in size, shape and appearance. Despite minor differences, lecterns are generally interchangeable.
In the central part of the temple, one or more stands are installed, which are also called proskinitarii, which is translated from Greek as "worship". Holiday or temple icons are placed on them. Such items are often made in the form of pedestals or multifaceted columns. The central pedestals differ from other types in their large size and richness of appearance. A photo of the church lectern, made in the form of a proskinitary, is presented below.
During worship, folding stands are often used. In this case, the sloping tabletop is made of durable fabric, and the base is made of light wooden supports. Such lecterns are light in weight and do not take up much space when folded. They are easy to move from one part of the temple to another, depending on the ordinances being performed. Therefore, they are an important part of church decoration.
The church choir also uses a special stand for reading music and chants. As a rule, this is a small tabletop with an inclination, fixed on one support. Such lecterns are called choirs. Like folding ones, they are light and mobile. In addition to the choir, they are used by clergy for the convenience of reading liturgical books during the celebration of the liturgy. The choir lectern can also be made in the form of a multifacetedpyramids. Such coasters are used for the convenience of singing in a large choir.
Use
As a rule, there are several lecterns in the church. The largest is the central one. Such a pedestal is placed in front of the iconostasis. On it is the main icon, which may change depending on the holiday or the day of remembrance of the saints. Prayer services, baptisms, weddings, unctions and other church sacraments are held in front of the central lectern. During some ceremonies, the Gospel is placed on the central pedestal.
Analoi with icons of especially revered saints are found not only in the central part, but also in other aisles of the temple. Such stands are necessary for the sacrament of confession, during which the cross and the Gospel are placed on the pedestal. Such attributes are set on the altar as needed.
Next to church lecterns, which serve as stands for icons, there are often candlesticks where worshipers put candles for the holiday or saints. Such coasters can be used not only in the church, but also when laymen and monks perform personal prayers.
Production of a lectern
lecterns are made most often from a wide variety of wood species. Such coasters are distinguished by beautifully carved, light weight and affordable price. Also in Christian churches you can find lecterns made of stone or some metals, such as bronze. They are more stable and durable, but they are more expensive.
WhenIn manufacturing, stability is an important detail, and for portable stands - the presence of lightness and convenience. The support is often made in the form of a locker. This is an important practical detail, especially in small temples. Thus, the pedestal performs several functions at the same time: as a stand and additional storage space for some church items.
Even a novice master can make a church lectern with his own hands by choosing a simple model. It can be a choir or portable pedestal made of light wooden supports and durable fabric.
Decoration of the lectern
Church lectern can be decorated in various ways. The decor is carried out depending on the model with gilding, painting, embossing and other types of external design. Wooden models are distinguished by beautiful carvings made in the form of flowers or a cross. Lacquering adds nobility to the appearance, and also protects against external influences for a long time. The tops of the pedestals are often covered with velvet fabric, suede, cloth of various noble colors.
Most often in temples during special holidays or fasting, the church lectern is covered with a beautiful fabric-riza in the color of the vestments of the clergy, and is also decorated with fresh flowers.
Meaning
Church lectern for an Orthodox church is of great importance. Ease of use and various types make it possible to use such stands for worship and various church sacraments. The variety of forms of the lectern makes it a practical attribute,and a beautifully executed appearance is an additional decoration of any Orthodox church.
