Catholic Word of the Day: EPIGONATION, 07-06-10

CatholicReference.net ^ | 07-06-10 | Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary

[Salvation]

Featured Term (selected at random):

EPIGONATION

A Eucharistic vestment of the Greek and Armenian rites. It is diamond-shaped, of stiff material, embroidered, and hangs from the waist to below the right knee. Its origin is uncertain but it now symbolizes the spiritual sword of justice. In the Western Church the Pope alone wears it. (Etym. Latin epigonus, successor; from Greek epigonos from epigignesthai, to be born after.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

[Salvation]

This thread is not about flying pigs! LOL!

Maybe someone can find a picture of one. I'm off soon to Scripture Study with my priest.

Sorry this is so late -- My monitor died this morning -- snap, crackle, pop. So I am using a borrowed one from my church.

New word for a vestment for me.

[Salvation]

Catholic Word of the Day – links will be provided later by another FReeper.

 

Gift of Integrity	Nuncio	Epigonation

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[dila813]

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Epigonation The epigonation (from Greek, "upon the knee") is a stiff, diamond-shaped vestment worn on the right side by priests and bishops. In the Byzantine tradition, the epigonation is awarded to a priest upon his elevation to exomologos (confessor) or the rank of οικονόμος. In the Russian tradition, it is an award given after many years of service. It represents a shield, originating from the thigh shield worn by soldiers during the days of the early church. The epigonation holds a dual meaning. First, it denotes the celebrant as a "soldier" of Christ. Second, it symbolizes the Word of God, fighting the wiles of the enemy. The epigonation is known as the palitsa in the Russian tradition.

[dila813]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palitza

n Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite the palitza is worn by all bishops, and as an ecclesiastical award for some priests.[1] Its origin is traced to the practice of Byzantine Emperors awarding ceremonial swords to their military commanders in recognition of their valour in defending the empire. Such swords were often accompanied by elaborate thigh-shields which were suspended from the belt and protected the leg from bruising caused by the constant bumping of the sword against the thigh. When the emperors began to give awards to the clergy, the thigh-shield alone was awarded.[2]

The vestment is a stiff, diamond-shaped cloth that hangs on the right side of the body below the waist, suspended by one corner from a strap drawn over the left shoulder. In the Russian tradition it is an award for service; in the Greek tradition it is usually a sign that the priest has an advanced academic degree and a blessing to hear confessions. If a Russian priest has been awarded both the nabedrennik and the palitza, he shifts the former to the left side. It is considered to symbolise the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17); that is to say, the wearer’s defending of the faith by smiting all that is impure and vicious.[2]

Upon donning his palitza, the cleric prays: “Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O Mighty One, in thy comeliness and thy beauty; and exert, and fare Thee well, and reign in the name of truth, and of meekness, and of justice; and Thy right hand shall guide Thee wondrously. Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen”.

[dila813]

Simply, This is a garment that protects ones thigh from the cut of the sword worn at one’s hip.

In the case of a Priest, this is the Sword of the Holy Spirit.

[the invisib1e hand]

inching toward enlightement, one new word at a time.

[MGMSwordsman]

I don't know about an epigonation, but I think I do have a sequined Eucharistic codpiece somewhere in my wardrobe.

[annalex]

Epigonation of Bp. Mark (Maymon) of Toledo, featuring his patron saint, the Apostle Mark. orthodoxwiki.org

[Salvation]

I found this link to a picture too.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Epigonation_%281911%29.jpg/220px-Epigonation_%281911%29.jpg

[kosta50]

[Salvation]

Beautiful vestments!

[Salvation]

What is the significance of the three candles together like that? The Trinity?

[kosta50]

The hierarchichal candles are used for the bishop to bless the congregation during the Divine Liturgy. In his right hand are three intertwined candles representing the Holy Trinity and in his left two intertwined candles representing the dual natures (divine and human) of Christ.

[kosta50]

Beautiful vestments!

Yes, I agree. Traditional Catholic vestments were beautiful too,

Then some decided to go with bedsheets...

[caww]

The first photo reminds me of an opera or stage play....also robes etc. used in various cult rituals....especially the head pieces.

The second photo reminds me of the KKK.

I realize the catholic church puts great value on how their leadership adorns their bodies.....and each piece has a meaning as do all things in the catholic church....art work, idols, design of the cathedrals....all about lifting up the building and the leadership.....but it is this very reason IMO that all these things are distractions....though catholics seem to think they enlarge their worship.

I suppose to some they need the stage affect....but for me I do far better with a simpler and unencumbered worship service that is more central to Christ Himself and not the leadership, rituals, and church building itself.

[kosta50]

I suppose to some they need the stage affect....but for me I do far better with a simpler and unencumbered worship service that is more central to Christ Himself and not the leadership, rituals, and church building itself.

Pictures on the wall serve no purpose, yet everyone (except Muslims) have them. Decorative, expensive furniture serves the same purpose as cheap and plain furniture does, so why have them.

Unseasoned food is also nutritious, so why waste money on spices, and fine china? Why not simply wear the cheapest slip-on shoes you can get your hands on in a dollar store, and instead of fancy clothes wrap yourself up in bedsheets when you go out? Think of all the money you'd save—it's utilitarianism 101!

Why waste time and money on decorations, paint, style, pictures, etc. if they serve no purpose? Why drive fancy cars when any beat up vehicle will do?

It's funny how we all find reason for style, and not to talk about tradition, and "idols" such as flags and secular symbols, in everyday life, but expect naked utilitarianism when it comes to the Church.

You can keep your Spartan way of life, and unseasoned food if you will. It doesn't make you better anything.

[caww]

I was simply stating my preference....

Kings of old had fine dining and seasoned food as well....we know what Christ said about that if you want to get technical.

My life as others in this country is hardly “Spartan” as you know. We are a country beyond plenty.

As for the church it is a matter of ones taste in where they choose to worship....I don't personally like all the pomp associated with all the adornments etc. in a church....catholic or otherwise. If it makes you feel more important to have that surrounding your worship...well have at it...that is your choice. I don't need it nor desire it.....for that matter neither did Christ state it was necessary. Each to his own it would appear....