Object ID
2003.27.3
Object Name
Veil, Chalice
Material
Velvet
Object Entities
Object Description
Cross-shaped red velvet pattern cover with a cross design in the center. The cross is built up as the focal point by the base which is a raised, gold-embroidered cross that is largely obscured by decoration. At the center is a bright red (fake) jewel from which tendrils of metallic gold thread emanate. Each tread ends in pale metallic sequin sewn onto the embroidered cross. This gold embroidery is echoed in the decoration of leaves and buds found on each of the four arms. The interior of the entire cross is decorated with a border of thin gold rickrack and then an outer border of gold fringe. the back is lined with a silky, lighter red fabric. Supports to keep the arms flat are found at the center and behind the embroidery of the arms.
Origin
During the ceremony of the Eucharist, the paten veil is used to keep insects or anything that would pollute the sanctity of the host out. In the western orthodox church, there are three veils for the ceremony: the chalice veil, the paten veil, and one to cover both (aer). The veil usually corresponds to the color and material of the priest's vestments.

Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1927 at its current location on Winona Street, on the north side of Chicago. Demetrios was sainted for his faith in the face of Roman persecution. He used his position as a public figure to convert many Greeks in Thessaly and was openly defiant to the Emperor.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Veil, Chalice, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/6254. Accessed 04/26/24.