Characteristics of a Top-Notch Orthodox Epitaphios and How to Obtain Quality Sol

Posted by Alex Smith on March 25th, 2020

An Orthodox epitaphios is an important part of liturgical services conducted in an Orthodox church. Whether you are looking for an epitaphios of Christ or of the Most Holy Thetokos, here is a gentle reminder of the significance of an epitaphios and what’s available in the market.

Depictions on Epitaphios

An Orthodox Epitaphios is a special type of cloth religious icon that you would commonly find in Orthodox Christian churches. An epitaphios of Christ depicts Christ lying horizontal as his body is being prepared for his funeral, after he has been removed from the cross. Some epitaphios depict Christ alone whereas others show him being surrounded by others such as The Most Holy Theotokos, John the Disciple, Joseph of Armathea and Mary Magdalene. The scenes that are created follow the scenes that are depicted in the Gospel. Another type of epitaphios depicts the Most Holy Theotokos lying in state.

High Quality Detailing

The depiction on an Orthodox epitaphios is rendered on a large, rectangular piece of cloth either by embroidery or painting. The cloth used is of good quality and features rich colors, adornments in the form of tassles and fringes and also images of the four Evangelists at the corners. It also features liturgical text that may be in Slavonic or English. Good, durable fabrics such as velvet, manmade silk and thick wool are used in the creation of epitaphios. Prices of Orthodox Epitaphios start from around three hundred dollars for a liturgical shroud featuring imprinting on velvet and go up to nine thousand dollars for one featuring elaborate hand embroidery done using original German Madeira threads on high end German velvet cloth.

Significance of Epitaphios

It’s important to choose the best quality Orthodox Epitaphios you can purchase because of their prominence during important liturgical services. An Epitaphios of Christ is an indispensable part of Good Friday and Holy Saturday services that mark the death and resurrection of Christ. The epitaphios is carried in procession to various positions in the church and people venerate it as well as seek blessings from the epitaphios during certain services. Similarly, an epitaphios of The Most Holy Theotokos is an important part of the Dormition of the Theotokos feast and is carried in a special procession.

Quality Solutions of Specialist Stores

The easiest way to purchase an Orthodox epitaphios is to place an order online. It’s best to purchase from a reputed online store to ensure best outcomes. Reputed online stores serving Orthodox Christian communities have craftsmen who understand liturgical traditions and do their best to follow those traditions. They make sure lithographic imprinting is done perfectly and the product will last for a long time. In case of embroidered epitaphios, they use the services of skilled, experienced church embroiderers as well as top quality threads to ensure impressive results.

Cases for Epitaphios

There is another type of product that you can find in the section for epitaphios and that is the case in which the shroud can be placed. This case is usually made from traditional metal such as brass but it can feature other materials such as stainless steel covered with titanium nitrine and water-resistant plywood for long lasting durability. Adornments such as enamel and velvet add richness to the case and make it suitable for public viewing.

Traditional Orthodox Epitaphios are available in various sizes, so go ahead and explore a comprehensive range of options till you arrive at the exact match for your needs.

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Alex Smith

About the Author

Alex Smith
Joined: August 13th, 2019
Articles Posted: 63

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