Asterisk (liturgy)
The asterisk , also asteriskos (Greek ἀστερίσκος, asterískos , "little star, asterisk") is a worship device, used mainly in the Byzantine liturgy , temporarily also in the Roman papal mass .
Form and purpose
The device consists of two curved metal strips that are placed crosswise on top of each other and connected at the point of intersection, so that they form a kind of star-shaped dome. The name is derived from this form. In the context of the birth symbolism of the Byzantine prothesis rite (proscomidia) , the liturgical asterisk is reminiscent of the star of Bethlehem , which often shows that a small star is hung at the intersection of the stripes. A paten with asterisk can already be found in the Sion treasure . From the turn of the millennium, the text and image documents are more common.
In the prothesis rite performed before the start of the liturgy, the asterisk is placed on the paten (disc) with the bread intended for the celebration of the Eucharist and, like the filled chalice, each covered with a protective velum . Later on, when the large entrance takes place, the paten and chalice are brought to the altar . The asterisk prevents the velum from touching the bread that has been prepared for sanctification ( transformation ), bits of it from getting caught in the cloth and from falling from the paten when the velum is lifted before the prayer .
Papal mass
In the Roman Catholic Church, the asterisk was only used at the papal mass . Compared to the original form, splendidly designed specimens were soon produced. The rite of Holy Mass provided that the Pope communicated at the throne, which is why the host and the chalice had to be brought to him from the altar. To do this, the asterisk was placed on the paten, and a cardinal deacon brought the Eucharistic gift, veiled with a velum, to the papal throne. Otherwise, the Roman rite always provided that the celebrant communicated at the altar. The liturgical reform after the Second Vatican Council was accompanied by a reform of the papal mass, so that the pope now communicates at the altar like all other bishops and priests. This made the asterisk superfluous and was out of use in the Roman rite . Pope Benedict XVI used the asterisk again, but no longer in its traditional function. He is put on the paten at masses in the open air before the consecration . This means that the host cannot be blown away by the wind.