Asterisk (Liturgical Vessel) is the hinged star-shaped cover placed over the Eucharistic bread on the diskos during the Byzantine Proskomedia and removed at the appointed point of the Divine Liturgy.[1]
Form and function
The asterisk or star consists of two curved metal bands crossed and joined so that they can open into a small dome. Set over the Lamb and commemorative particles on the diskos, it supports the veils and prevents them from disturbing the arranged bread. Its practical function is inseparable from the reverence owed to the gifts prepared for the Eucharist.
The priest places it with the prayer recalling the star that stood over the place where the Child was. This gives the vessel a Nativity symbolism within the Proskomedia's wider representation of Christ's saving life and the communion of the Church. Symbolism does not change it into a relic or talisman; its sacred character arises from dedication and liturgical use.
Asterisk and diskos
The diskos is the footed plate bearing the Lamb and particles. The asterisk stands upon it; the aer and smaller veils cover the vessels. These objects should not be collapsed into Latin analogies such as paten cover or ciborium. Comparison can orient a visitor, but Byzantine terminology and ritual action convey a distinct coherent patrimony.
Removal during the anaphora
The asterisk is removed according to the proper liturgical book, commonly with a gesture that has acquired its own ceremonial interpretation. Exact practice differs among Byzantine Catholic Churches. Clergy and servers follow their Church sui iuris and edition rather than combining Greek, Slavic, Melkite, or online customs into a synthetic rite.
Eastern Catholic discipline
The vessel belongs to the Byzantine liturgical family used by several Eastern Catholic Churches and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Common inheritance does not erase ecclesial status, and possession of the object does not authorize celebration. A lawful Eucharist requires a validly ordained minister, communion and faculties, valid matter and form, and observance of the approved rite.[2]
Sacristans clean and store the asterisk with other sacred vessels according to eparchial directions. Precious metal, plating, repair, and disposal follow proper law and respect for dedicated goods. A damaged hinge that might touch or scatter particles requires prompt attention. The vessel is not ordinary museum handling equipment while in liturgical service.
Terminology and historical sources
English sources also use star, asteriskos, or Greek asteriskisk. The ordinary punctuation mark is unrelated, and Western episcopal ornaments called stars should not be confused with the Eucharistic vessel. Cataloguers should identify dimensions, provenance, rite, inscriptions, and whether an object was actually consecrated or merely made in the same form.
Historical descriptions often generalize from one Eastern usage or use Latinizing language. Contemporary Catholic treatment begins with the equal dignity of the Eastern patrimony and the authority of each Church sui iuris. The Asterisk is a small object, but it joins careful Eucharistic handling, the iconography of Bethlehem, and the received sequence of the Divine Liturgy.[3]
References
- 1.Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), Asterisk — Public-domain account of the star-shaped Byzantine Eucharistic vessel placed over the diskos
- 2.Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches — Binding common canon law for the Eastern Catholic Churches, including hierarchy, monasteries, worship, governance, and processes
- 3.Instruction for Applying the Liturgical Prescriptions of the CCEO — Holy See instruction requiring preservation and authentic renewal of the Eastern Catholic liturgical patrimony under competent authority