Rhipidion (Fan)

KENNETH CARVELEY

A round, sometimes “six-winged” disc placed on the end of a pole which was originally used as a liturgical fan to keep the Eucharistic elements free from flying insects. Symbolically, these represent the cherubim or angelic overshadowing and may reflect images from the mercy seat or Ark of the Covenant. Deacons are presented with these on their ordination for use during the anaph­ora, waving them over the elements until the elevation. Some rhipidia have bells attached. In the medieval West, these fans were known as flabella. Rhipidia are sometimes carried in procession at the Great Entrance of the Liturgy and are usually kept near the holy table.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

Schuilz, H. J. (1986) The Byzantine Liturgy. New York: Pueblo.