Dikirion and trikirion

Dikirion and Trikirion are candle holders for liturgical use, which are used in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy with members of the episcopate use. This is a specific feature of the Orthodox churches and those churches that celebrate the liturgy according to the rites of the Eastern Church, but recognize the Pope as the head. ( The so-called Uniate churches )

Appearance and use

Both candle holders always have a flat base plate so that they can also be free-standing at the altar. From this base plate extends to a vertical shaft, which then in two ( Dikirion ) or three ( Trikirion ) branches located - as holders for the candles - branched. The two candles are Dikirions ( God and man ), the three candles Trikirions represent the Holy Trinity for the dual nature of Jesus Christ.

During the Divine Liturgy, the two candle holders are each on the northeast and south-eastern end of the altar. When the bishop must make use of the candles, he will be brought by the deacons and sub-deacons this. The Trikirion is always held in the right hand, the Dikirion in the left hand of the bishop.