Chalice

This chalice has a wide base that is reminiscent of a bell, from which rises a stem with a complex profile supporting a cup with a flared lip. The cup is decorated with bands of hatching similar to those on the base. The form of a cross in a rectangular frame can be seen on the side of the cup between the ringing bands, and the letters meaning “Jesus Christ Conquers,” are inscribed around the beams of the cross. This stylized representation perhaps refers to the stamped central section of the Eucharistic bread, or prosphoron. It has the same combination of letters as this stamp, which is cut out of the loaf in a cube and is referred to as the Lamb.

This chalice may have been made in the 18th century, when the vast majority of Greek Catholic churches still used pewter chalices. Many examples have survived in Slovakian and Polish collections as well, most of which also came from Greek Catholic churches. Similar chalices are also known from the Balkans, since Orthodox Christians also used this type for a long time.

by Szilveszter Terdik