Gold-thread embroidered Aer "Mother of God Oranta"

A small Aer is a veil used to cover the diskos (a flat plate on which the priest places the prosphoras) during the service (liturgy) of the Greek rite. The coverlet is made of precious red velvet and embroidered with silver and golden threads. The main composition is made by attaching technique, when the metallized thread was attached with silk, forming a geometric pattern. The elements of the floral ornament are embroidered using the "by the rope" technique. A soft thread padding is placed under the image and attached to the fabric with cross stitches. In the center of the composition there is the image of Mother of God Orante with raised hands. Such a position of the hands means "standing before God." The word "Orante" or "Oranc" in translation means "the one who prays." This image gained special significance in the period of Ukrainian Baroque as a protector of Cossack warriors.