Antimins

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A consecrated cloth used in Eastern Christian liturgies, upon which the Eucharist is prepared; a portable altar featuring sacred relics sewn inside; and a liturgical item symbolizing the presence of a bishop during worship
2. A ceremonial fabric placed on the altar in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, containing relics for the celebration of the Eucharist; a symbolic altar substitute enabling sacraments outside the main altar; and a religious textile signifying episcopal authority in the liturgy
3. A sacred linen cloth embedded with relics, serving as an altar covering for Eucharistic rites in eastern Christian traditions; a portable altar element permitting sacramental functions in various locations; and an emblem of holy presence and clerical office during the divine service

Etymology: Antimins is a consecrated cloth used in Eastern Orthodox churches, a small linen square on which the bishop's blessing has been given, and which is placed on the altar to hold relics and allow the liturgy to be celebrated where no fixed altar exists. Its name comes from Ancient Greek "Antimḗnsion," built from "anti," meaning "instead of" or "in place of," and "mēnsa," the Latin word for table. The name therefore means something close to "in place of the table," which points to its original purpose as a substitute for an altar. Word count is within limits; the etymology is traced directly from the source's Greek form.

Synonyms: altar cloth, liturgical cloth, altar cover, holy cloth, sacred cloth