LITURGICAL UTENSILS

LITURGICAL UTENSILS. (See Drawing.) 1. The altar table. 2. The antimension or corporal is a consecrated piece of silk or linen cloth signed by the bishop. In it are placed relics of the saints, after the example of the early liturgy served on the tombs of martyrs (qq.v.) in the catacombs. The antimension, having on it the icon (q.v.) of the burial of Jesus and the four Evangelists, is unfolded only for the liturgy. 3. Gospel Book (usually kept over the antimension). 4. Cross. 5. Tabernacle for reserve sacrament for communing the sick. 6. Table of oblation for the preparation of the Holy Gifts. 7. Chalice. 8. The paten or discos for the bread, with a star cover. 9. The spear (i.e., knife) for preparing the bread; and the spoon for administering the sacrament to the faithful.