The paschal trikirion is not mentioned in the liturgical books of the Eastern Orthodox Church; indeed, both thePentecostarion[1] and theTypicon[2] dictate the celebrant carry a cross in his left hand when, in contemporary practice, the paschal trikirion[3] is also carried.
The paschal trikirion is held by the serving priest (whether abishop or apresbyter) in contrast to thebishop's trikirion which the bishop uses for blessing and is held or carried alongside the bishop. It is used from the commencement of the celebration of the Resurrection during thePaschal Vigil through the end ofBright Week, and also on theApodosis of Pascha,[4] when it is used at sundry times, in particular, while chanting the paschal verses at the beginning ofVespers,Matins and theDivine Liturgy, whilecensing,[3] during theLittle Entrance, and when giving thepaschal greeting.
As specified in the liturgical books thePentecostarion[1] and theTypicon,[2]deacons also carry a candle throughout the paschal services. The deacon's candle is a single large candle which he carries in his left hand while recitingektenias (litanies), while censing, and at other times when his hands are not otherwise occupied. It is also often decorated with fresh flowers. In the Slavic tradition, this candle may be red.
^abТипико́нъ сіесть уста́въ (Title here transliterated into Russian; actually in Church Slavonic) (The Typicon which is the Order), Москва (Moscow, Russian Empire): Синодальная типография (The Synodal Printing House), 1907, p. 458(reverse side)
^ab[2]Archived 2011-07-26 at theWayback Machine "Archbishop Averky Liturgics — The Pascha of the Lord, or the Resurrection of Christ", Retrieved 2011-12-24
^[3]Archived 2011-07-26 at theWayback Machine "Archbishop Averky Liturgics — The Leave-taking of Pascha", Retrieved 2011-12-24
