Easing Paschal Preparations: Artos Cover

With the festive season behind us, our focus shifts towards the solemn period of Great Lent and the joyous celebration of the Lord's Holy Pascha. In this issue, we explore a distinctive Easter tradition that, while not widely practiced, offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, particularly for smaller parishes.

A Cover for the Easter artos

Several years ago, our workshop was approached by a congregation in the USA with a request to craft an atypical item: a cover for the Easter artos.

☑️ This cover is similar to a regular liturgical veil;

☑️ It is tailored in a specific size and shape;

☑️ The center is embroidered with a Paschal design;

☑️ It also has special ties along the edges so that it can be securely fastened to the artos.

The request stemmed from a cherished local tradition established under their previous rector, now due for renewal. We've found that such an item not only beautifies the artos and the Holy Week cross processions but also enhances the overall Paschal festivities.

Cross procession during Bright Week in our monastery. The artos is carried without a cover

These unique local practices, like the decoration of a bishop's candles, contribute to the diverse richness of Orthodoxy. Following this initial order, we've seen a growing interest from other parishes in adopting this tradition.

Beyond its aesthetic and traditional value, the artos cover serves a practical purpose.

Many parishes have adopted the custom of imprinting the top of the artos with a special Paschal seal. While large churches and monasteries, with their resources and expertise, can easily produce such ornate Easter bread, smaller and more remote parishes may find this challenging.

Here, the embroidered cover proves invaluable. It allows for the use of simpler bread, concealing any imperfections and ensuring the Easter joy remains undiminished.

For those intrigued by this idea, there's ample time to incorporate it before Easter. The item is available in white and red colors.

By clicking on the banner below, you will be redirected to our catalog where you can find more details about the item and place an order.

While purchasing a ready-made cover is an option, we encourage tapping into the talents within your parish. Perhaps, like the Myrrh-bearing Women, members of your community will be inspired to contribute their creative skills to honor the Lord's Feast. Such involvement can be both spiritually rewarding and enriching for the parish.

As we prepare for the Lenten season and anticipate the resurrection joy, we extend our prayers for God's abundant support in your pastoral duties. We welcome you to share other lesser-known parish traditions with the OCC, fostering a deeper sense of community and shared heritage.