For the first time, having heard the word “spear” in the church, each person may be surprised and wonder: “What is a spear in Orthodoxy?” What does a weapon from the ancient world have to do with the Christian faith?
Use during the worship
In fact, a church spear is not a weapon, but a special knife in the shape of a spear tip, pointed at both ends. It is necessary for the first part of the Divine Liturgy - proskomidia (from the Greek “commemoration”), during which the priest or bishop takes out from the prosphora particles in memory of the saints, about health or repose, and also cuts out the Eucharistic Lamb from the main prosphora. The Lamb is a large piece of cubed prosphora, which is the bread that during the liturgy becomes the Holy Body of Christ. It must be cut especially skillfully, so that the walls and the bottom of the prosphora remain one. That is why a double-edged spear-shaped knife is used for this. From a practical point of view, it is most convenient for proskomedia.
Symbolism
In addition, several symbolic moments are associated with the spear. First of all, it is a symbol of the spear with which the Roman centurion Longinus pierced the ribs of the Savior after his death. In memory of this event, during the proskomedia, having taken out the Lamb from the prosphora, the priest stabs him with a spear on the right and repeats the Gospel verse, telling how the warrior pierced Christ's rib - and blood and water came out from there. Like the Cross of Christ, a spear from the instrument of death and execution - has become a symbol of the salvation of mankind. Therefore, in the old Service books you can still find the rite of blessing water for a sick person, where instead of the cross, the priest blesses the water with a spear.
Where can you buy a spear in Ukraine?
Buying a spear, like other Eucharistic objects, is nowadays possible mainly in big cities. This causes some inconvenience. Therefore, the Axios online store makes it possible to buy a church spear directly from home, using only your laptop or mobile phone. We work only with the best manufacturers and provide fast delivery in Ukraine and the world. Welcome!
