Antimins
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (July 2020) |
| Part of a series on the |
| Eucharist |
|---|
 |
The antimins (from the Greek Ἀντιμήνσιον, Antimension: "instead of the table"), is a special corporal required to be on the altar in many Eastern Christian liturgical traditions[1]. It was originally used as a portable version of an altar[2].
It is a rectangular piece of cloth of either linen or silk, typically decorated with representations of the Descent of Christ from the Cross, the Four Evangelists, and inscriptions related to the Passion. A small relic of a martyr is sewn into it. In the Latin Church of the Catholic Church, an altar stone serves a similar function[1] and in the Coptic Church, it has been replaced by a wooden altar-board or altar-slab[2].
Syriac practice
[edit]A wooden tablet, the ţablîtho, is the liturgical equivalent of the antimins in the churches of Syriac tradition.
See also
[edit]Further reading
[edit]- Antimensium article in the Catholic Encyclopedia
- Coptic Antimensium article in the Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia
- ^ a b "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Antimensium". www.newadvent.org. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b Archbishop Basilios (1991). "Antimension". Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia. 1. Claremont Graduate University. School of Religion – via The Claremont Colleges Digital Library.