which to stand. It is never placed on the chalice. Then the ᾽᾽Asteriskos᾽᾽ (ἀστερίσκος), a cross of bent metal, which stands over the diskos.[1] Both chalice and diskos are covered with small veils, and a large veil, the Aer (ἀήρ) is then laid over both. A spoon is used for giving Holy Communion, and the holy lance, a long knife, for cutting up the bread. They have a sponge for purifying the diskos, and a fan (ῥιπίδιον), made of a long handle and a flat picture of a seraph with six wings, which the deacon waves over the Blessed Sacrament.[2] All these vessels stand on the prothesis (credence table) when the liturgy begins. Candles in candlesticks are carried before processions, and a thurible with incense is used continually. The Antimension (ἀντιμήνσιον)[3] corresponds to our corporal and altar-stone. It is a square piece of linen doubled, in which are sewn up relics anointed with chrism. It is always consecrated by a bishop, and it lies folded upon the altar. The priest unfolds it during the liturgy, and folds it again at the end. It is generally ornamented with a design, representing the entombment of our Lord, with the four Evangelists and the instruments of the Passion, printed in black ink. I have seen one made of silk.[4] There are no relics in an Orthodox altar: the antimension is really a sort of portable altar. In the diakonikon is kept a vessel of hot water during the liturgy (p. 416).
4. Church Music.
Before we come to a description of the modern Byzantine liturgy, a word about their Church music will be interesting, especially now that every one is discussing ours. The Orthodox, like the Catholics, have two kinds of Church music — plain song and figured music. But their figured music never sank to the depth of degradation from which Pope Pius X has now rescued us. No Orthodox Church under any circumstances ever has any musical instrument at all; all their music is unac-
1 It is just a frame to keep the veil from touching the bread.
2 See the illustration of the vessels and instruments.
3 ἀντιμήνσιον and ἐπιμανίκια are both hybrid words (ἀντι-mensa, ἐπί-manica).
4 Cf. E. d'Or., iii. pp. 193-202, L'Antimension.
