Khorugvi is an obligatory attribute of the procession

Church traditions for many centuriespractically do not change. At the same time, various obligatory attributes are used for various divine services and other obligatory rituals. They include banners. These religious banners are in various currents of Christianity.

The Purpose of Banners

This church banner has another name. It is also considered correct. It is often called a "gonfalon". Most often it is used in the so-called cross processions, collecting a huge number of people and timed to some solemn events and church holidays associated with religious traditions. At the very beginning of the procession, there are special ministers called gonfalons. As a rule, several such religious banners are used simultaneously in the procession of the Cross. Who uses the sacred banners? This attribute is mandatory in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Material for manufacturing

What is the banners, and what is it made of? To produce it, expensive fabrics such as silk, velvet, taffeta, twill are used. Dress them with silver and gold cords in the form of fringe or brushes. The images of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, the Trinity are applied to these banners with the help of a special technique of application. They are also often depicted as the most revered Saints. Crouches from brocade and velvet are embroidered with gold threads. In some cases, they are made of metals, and decorate with a decor of gold, silver, enamel and enamel.

Pole for banners are long woodenstaves joined in the form of a cross. Some large banners are made with special adaptations so that they can be carried simultaneously by 4 people. In the central part of the banners there is often an embroidered icon made in the technique of face sewing.

Khorugvi in ​​the church

For the first time such banners were made by decreethe Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (272-337 AD). According to legend, it is believed that the banners are a divine message, which he saw in the sky. After this, he ordered the use of such banners in various church rituals. Over time, the sacred banners began to spread rapidly to different countries, where Christianity was confessed. Khorugvi personify the symbol of victory over the devil and death.

In the period between the godparents, these bannersare stored inside the temple. Most often they are located next to the right or left choir (the place where readers and choristers are located at the time of the service). These sacred banners are worshiped in the same way as icons.