Szilágyi András (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 28. (Budapest, 2012)

Acquisitions between 2006 and 2010

5.1 5.2 The antimension (Gr. "instead of the altar" or "above the altar") is a rectangular cloth used in churches of the Byzantine rite. Usually it features a Lamentation of Christ from the Cross scene printed on the textile with a wooden block or copper die. Into the stem of the cross in the background of the composition some relic is sewn and the cloth is lined. The antimension is consecrated by the bishop whose name and the year of consecration are registered in a field beneath the icon. Without this the Eucharist cannot be celebrated, so it can be found on the altar of every church. 129