Artophorion, lower part

The fragment of the artophorion is made of silver- and gold-toned metal. The base rests on three cylindrical legs (one leg is lost). It has the form of a rectangular, profiled pedestal with a projecting cornice and a stepped plinth. In the upper part of the fragment is fixed a cylindrical element with gold-toned cherub appliqués. To the front of the fragment is attached a relief overlay in the form of radiance.

Note: the artophorion belonged to the pre-war (pre-1941) part of the collection of the H. S. Skovoroda Historical Museum; it was evacuated in 1941, and this fragment of the artophorion was returned to Kharkiv in November 1944.

The artophorion is a sacred vessel used in Christian churches to store the Holy Gifts (the Body and Blood of Christ), intended for the communion of the faithful. It is the most sacred object in the church and is usually placed on the altar table in the sanctuary. The artophorion is made in the form of a small church, chapel, or domed tower, inside which is a box for the Holy Gifts.