Pedestal Bowl containing Orban

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Photo by John Bentham.
Pedestal Bowl containing Orban
Photo by John Bentham.
Datelate 19th century
MediumAlabaster and stamped bread
DimensionsOverall: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
Credit LineGift of William C. Winslow, Class of 1862
Object number1943.19
Not on view
DescriptionAlabaster bowl with orange to pink veins and scalloped edge containing round cake of Coptic holy bread, known as Orban. The bread is round to signify the sun and righteousness of Jesus Christ while taking Holy Communion. It is pierced with five holes to refer to Christ's wounds on the cross. The stamp bears a motif with a large central cross surrounded by twelve small crosses for Christ and the Apostles. The large central cross is called "Alasbadikon," and is the piece which the priest puts into the goblet. The priest uses the piece to make the sign of the cross three times during the end of the Divine Liturgy. He places the section back into the goblet until Holy Communion. The stamped inscription around the Orban states the three sanctifications: "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy immortal who does not die."

Additional Details

Provenance 1943: Hamilton College, by bequest of William C. Winslow.
Inscribed Top, stamped into bread: "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy immortal who does not die."

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