Encolpion
An encolpion (from Greek ἐν κόλπος, on the bosom, in the puff) is an often cruciform capsule with relics, visible on chains on the chest or worn under clothing . Originated in Byzantine times, the pectoral cross of the Eastern church bishops is still called the encolpion. It also appears as an imperial insignia.
Emergence
The development of encolpions is influenced on the one hand by the Roman bulla (literally soap bubble). They were worn over the toga on the chest by children of the noble families. On the other hand, it goes back to the Jewish tefillin with the prayer capsules that are worn on the arm and head. The Greek name for tefillin and similar containers is phylactery .
These models were Christianized by using Christian motifs, the form, iconography and lettering, and relics, Bible or prayer texts were kept in the phylacteries. The Fathers of the Church judge the use of these objects differently. Augustine calls them "devilish ribbons". Gregor von Nyssa, on the other hand, sees the cross pendant of his deceased sister Makrina as an object of protection that he gives away to his sister's girlfriend to strengthen his faith.
Byzantine period
In the Eastern Church , at the beginning of the 8th century, the iconoclasm arose over the question of the extent to which icons and other pictorial representations of saints are permitted and may be venerated. This affected the images on the phylacteries. When the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 decided the Byzantine Iconoclasm and allowed pictorial representations of saints, the motifs became more diverse.
The term Enkolpion is first used in 811 in a letter from the Patriarch Nikephorus to Pope Leo III. verifiable.
From around 850 onwards, numerous bronze crosses were made with engraved or cast images of Jesus, Mary and numerous saints, usually with short inscriptions. Often they were two hollow cross halves that were hinged and could be opened. In it were relics kept. This encolpion was worn on a ribbon or chain across the chest. This type of bronze cross pendant was used until 10/11. Century and was worn by clergy, but also by lay people.
today
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In the Orthodox prelates and bishops wear a enkolpion today, the equivalent is in the Western church , the pectoral .
literature
- Klaus Wessel : Enkolpion . In: Lexicon of the Middle Ages (LexMA). Volume 3, Artemis & Winkler, Munich / Zurich 1986, ISBN 3-7608-8903-4 , Sp. 2013.
- JH Emminghaus: Enkolpion . In: Josef Höfer , Karl Rahner (Ed.): Lexicon for Theology and Church . 2nd Edition. tape 3 . Herder, Freiburg im Breisgau 1959, Sp. 892 .