Orthodox Glossary · Term

Antimension

A consecrated cloth containing relics and the bishop’s signature, required for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and signifying communion with the local bishop and the wider Church.

Back to glossary Orthodox Concepts
Defined Term
A
Antimension
LexiconOrthodox Christianity 101
§ 01 - How to Study This Term

From definition into prayer.

The Orthodox tradition does not separate vocabulary from worship. Pair this term with Scripture, the Liturgy, and the lived life of the Church.

  1. 01
    Look for the word in worship

    Listen for it inside the Divine Liturgy, the daily prayers, or the hymns of the feast it belongs to.

  2. 02
    Trace it through the Fathers

    The same word usually echoes across centuries - Athanasius, the Cappadocians, Maximus, Gregory Palamas.

  3. 03
    Pair it with a prayer

    Vocabulary becomes piety when it lives inside a single, repeated prayer of the Church.

Where the term lives
§ 02 - Related Terms

Words that travel together.

Entries from the lexicon that share the same corner of Orthodox worship and thought as Antimension.

GlossaryAltar TableAlso called the Holy Table, it contains relics of saints and holds the Gospel book, antimension, and holy vessels, anchoring every sacramental act of the parish.GlossaryLiturgyA term meaning ‘public work’ that in Orthodoxy refers chiefly to the Eucharistic celebration, the communal offering of praise and thanksgiving to God.GlossaryDivine LiturgyThe central Eucharistic service of the Church, where heaven and earth unite around Christ’s sacrifice and the faithful receive His Body and Blood.GlossaryElevation ClothA cloth used during the elevation of the Holy Gifts, underscoring the reverence due when the consecrated Body and Blood are shown to the faithful.GlossaryReliquary CrossA cross containing relics of saints, worn or displayed as a tangible connection to the holy ones who intercede for the faithful.GlossarySacramentaryA liturgical book containing the prayers for the sacraments and blessings, guiding clergy in the proper celebration of each mystery.
✦   Where to next?

One word, then another.

The Orthodox lexicon is a doorway, not a destination. Keep going - pair this term with prayer and a parish near you.

Find a Parish Back to Glossary