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Ananalogion (Greek:Ἀναλόγιον orἀναλογεῖον) is a slanted stand on whichicons or theGospel Book are placed for veneration by the faithful in theEastern Orthodox Church andEastern Catholic Churches. It may also be used as alectern to read fromliturgical books during theDivine Liturgy andcanoncial hours.[1]
The analogion is normally slanted slightly, to make it easier for the one standing in front of it to see the icon or book laid on it. The analogion may have four legs or only one in the center. It is often covered with a rich cloth (antipendium), which either partially or completely covers the analogion on top and all sides. Some analogia are made so they fold for easy portability, some are intricately carved of fine wood, and some are simple frameworks intended to be completely covered with cloth. These are normally light enough to be moved about without too much difficulty.
There is also a type of analogion which is used in thekliros by thechanters. This often has two or three sides, and turns to allow singers to more easily refer to the numerousliturgical texts required during liturgies.
An older Greek design for this type of analogion is octagonal, with a flat top instead of slanted. This style is still found in use onMount Athos and at other ancient monasteries throughout the world. Sometimes, this type of analogion is intricately inlaid withmother of pearl or other semi-precious materials.
A similar piece of furniture with a different function is thetetrapodion, which is a table set in the center of the church. It is often covered with a cloth, and upon it are placed objects to beblessed.
Another term often used for the special stand for religious holy books in the choir section is the Psaltiri.[2]
Analogia are used for theveneration oficons, usually with a candlestand beside or behind it, or anoil lamp burning above it. The candlestand may hold one candle and be used to illuminate the icon, or it may be part of a candlestick for the faithful to offer candles as they venerate the icon.
On higher-ranking feasts of thechurch year, when the chanting of thePolyeleos is called for, an analogion is placed in the center of thenave of the church with candles, and theicon of thefeast being celebrated is placed thereon. At the highpoint of the service, all of the lights in the church are lit and the clergy and people gather around the icon on the analogion in the center of the church for the chanting of festivehymns and the reading of theMatins Gospellesson.
During theDivine Liturgy, an analogion is placed in front of theHoly Doors for the reading of theGospel andaltar servers will stand to either side with processional candles. If adeacon is reading the Gospel, the analogion will be set so that he faces East (towards theAltar) as he reads; if apriest is reading, the analogion will be set so that he faces West (towards the people).
When a priest orbishop hearsConfession, he will do so standing beside an analogion on which has been placed aGospel Book and aCross. Thepenitent willvenerate the Gospel and Cross and then kneel before the analogion, holding his right hand in the manner of making theSign of the Cross and touching the foot of the Cross while making his confession.
