Antimins

St Michael the Archangel, Findlay, OH - bread and wine crop 1

Antimins is a sacred cloth used in the practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches that follow the Byzantine Rite. It is a vital component of the altar in these traditions, symbolizing the presence and authority of the bishop and serving as a focal point for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Description

The antimins is typically made of silk or another fine fabric, adorned with representations of the Crucifixion, the Four Evangelists, and sometimes other saints or biblical scenes. Within it are placed relics of saints, making it a symbol of the martyrdom and witness of the Christian faith. The presence of these relics also harkens back to the early Christian practice of celebrating the Eucharist on the graves of martyrs in the catacombs.

Function

During the Divine Liturgy, the antimins serves as the place upon which the sacraments are consecrated. It is unfolded on the Holy Table (altar) and must be present for the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated. In the absence of a permanent altar, the antimins allows for the Liturgy to be conducted in various settings, emphasizing the church's mission and the mobility of the faith.

The antimins also bears the signature of the bishop, serving as a testament to his authority and the unity of the church. Without a bishop's blessing, symbolized through the antimins, the Divine Liturgy cannot be legitimately performed.

History

The use of the antimins in Christian liturgy can be traced back to the early centuries of the church, evolving from the practice of celebrating the Eucharist on the tombs of martyrs. Its development into a formal liturgical item, however, occurred over time, with its current form and function being established by the Byzantine tradition.

Significance

Beyond its practical liturgical use, the antimins symbolizes the continuity of the Christian faith, the communion of saints, and the apostolic succession of the church's hierarchy. It is a reminder of the church's history, the sacrifice of its martyrs, and the central mystery of the Christian faith—the Eucharist.

Care and Handling

Due to its sacred nature, the antimins is treated with great reverence. It is usually kept folded in a special case when not in use and is handled only by the clergy. When an antimins becomes worn or is no longer needed, it is not disposed of in a common manner but is either buried or placed in a church repository.