Sacramentals in the east

[MarcusAndreas]

I’m curious, what are some sacramentals used in the east? I’m assuming such a practice occurs in the east. I already know about icons, and I’m assuming that those are considered icons.

 

[Vico]

I’m curious, what are some sacramentals used in the east? I’m assuming such a practice occurs in the east. I already know about icons, and I’m assuming that those are considered icons.

There are some sacramental rites. Also the greater blessing of waters at Epiphany and lesser blessing of water at other times, blessings of corn, wine, and oil, of fruits, fields, and homes, of any object (a triple sprinkling with holy water), Antidorion after the liturgy, or chrismation with Holy Myron (different than the Mystern of Chrismation).

 

[Cecilianus]

We don’t use the word “sacramentals” usually (it comes from Latin), but we still have them. I would add the prosphora (the loaf of bread before it is Consecrated, from which both the Eucharistic elements and the antidoron come), which are highly reverenced and honored. (The Melkite Archbishop Joseph Raya even insisted that they be carried up to the altar over his prostrate body.)

We also venerate (kiss) a hand-cross held by the priest after most Liturgies. Icons are always venerated and are believed to make present the realities they represent, which certainly makes them sacramentals; private objects (cross necklaces, for example) can also be blessed by placing them on the altar during Liturgy (usually for 40 days).

Incense is the main “sacramental”; we bless everything during the Liturgy (the congregation and all the icons, as well as the prosphora and the altar) by incensing them.