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The Paschal Trikirion (Greek: Τρικιριον) is a liturgical triple-candlestick used at Easter time in the Eastern Orthodox/Byzantine Catholic tradition.
The paschal trikirion is not mentioned in the liturgical books of the Orthodox Church; indeed, both the Pentecostarion[1] and the Typicon[2] dictate the celebrant carry a cross in his left hand when, in contemporary practice, the paschal trikirion[3] is also carried.
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The paschal trikirion is held by the serving priest (whether a bishop or a presbyter) in contrast to the bishop'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 the Paschal Vigil through the end of Bright Week, and also on the Apodosis of Pascha[4], when it is used at sundry times, in particular, while chanting the paschal verses at the beginning of Vespers, Matins and the Divine Liturgy, while censing[3], during the Little Entrance, and when giving the paschal greeting.
The paschal trikirion is fashioned in various styles in various regions. The Greek form of the paschal trikirion generally has a flat base allowing it may stand upright, and above this base is a vertical shaft terminating in three candleholders; sometimes this base has an icon of the Resurrection. The candleholders may be mounted at an angle so that the candles cross each other, as in a bishop's trikirion. Often the candles are tied together with ribbons at the point of intersection. Sometimes, among the Greeks, the priest simply holds a large single candle. Another form, more commonly seen in the Slavic churches, has the three candleholders attached to a large blessing crucifix with a vertical handle. This form cannot stand upright while the candles are lit. The candles may be white or each candle may be a different color and fresh flowers often decorate the candleholder.
The trikirion holds three candles, representing the Resurrection of Christ on the third day, and also representing the three persons of the Holy Trinity, all three of whom, according to Orthodox theology, were actively involved in the salvation of man.
As specified in the liturgical books the Pentecostarion[1] and the Typicon[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 giving ektenias (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.
