Dikirion and Trikirion
Dikirion and Trikirion (Greek, from δίς “twofold” or τρίς “threefold” and κηρ Wachsων “wax light”) are candlesticks for liturgical use, which are used in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy with members of the episcopate . This is a specific feature of the Orthodox churches as well as those churches which celebrate the liturgy according to the rites of the Eastern Churches , but recognize the Pope as head. (The so-called United Churches )
Appearance and use
Both candlesticks always have a flat base plate so that they can stand freely on the altar . A vertical shaft protrudes from this base plate, which then branches into two (Dikirion) or three (Trikirion) branches - as holders for the candles. The two candles of the dikirion stand for the twofold nature of Jesus Christ (God and man), the three candles of the trikirion represent the trinity .
During the Divine Liturgy , the two candlesticks are each at the northeast and southeast end of the altar. When the bishop has to use the candles, they are brought to him by the deacons and sub-deacons . The bishop holds the trikirion in his right hand and the dikirion in his left hand.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Hans-Dieter Döpmann : Divine service in an orthodox context . In: Hans-Christoph Schmidt-Lauber, Michael Meyer-Blanck, Karl-Heinrich Bieritz: Handbook of Liturgy: Liturgical science in theology and practice of the church . Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2003. S. 131. ISBN 3525572107 Preview in Google Books