Embroidered Eileiton Cover for Antimension 23x27 Inch
★★★★★ 4.9 (263 reviews)The iliton (Greek: eileton, Slavic: ilitón) is the cloth that lies on the holy altar, wraps the antimins, and protects it through every Divine Liturgy. Ours are sewn from silk or fine linen with an embroidered central cross.
In Stock (9 available)
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Fully embroidered, made to order Crafted in our own atelier in the USA
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Tailored to your size Made to your exact measurements & specifications
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Worldwide shipping Ships in 7–14 days · 7-day return policy
Description
Fully embroidered on two sides, very useful.
The sizes are 23x27 inch.
The eileton, in Slavonic iliton, is a silk cloth slightly larger than the antimension that is folded around it at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, and which is left on the altar table.
Different commentators have said that it represents the burial cloth around Jesus' head, the Resurrection, or the infant Jesus' swaddling clothes.
About the iliton
Every Orthodox altar has an iliton. It is unfolded at the proskomedia, the antimins is laid out on top of it, and the gifts are prepared and consecrated on top of both. At the end of the Liturgy the antimins is folded back inside the iliton, which is folded and laid in the center of the holy table.
Construction
- Single layer of silk or fine linen. Light enough to fold flat, dense enough to protect the antimins during folding.
- Hand-finished hem on all four sides. No exposed raw edges.
- Central cross embroidered in metal thread. Visible when the iliton is opened on the altar.
Size
A standard iliton is about 16" × 20", sized to fully wrap a standard parish antimins with overlap on every side. We can make a larger iliton for a non-standard antimins — send us the dimensions of your antimins and we will cut to fit.
Tradition
The iliton symbolizes the linens that wrapped the body of Christ in the tomb. Like the katasarkion (the linen altar cover under the indition), it is typically left undyed or in a restrained color — white, ivory, or pale gold.
Questions about this product
What size iliton do I need?
Standard is 16" × 20", which fits a standard parish antimins (about 13" × 17") with overlap on every side. If your antimins is larger, send us its dimensions and we will size the iliton accordingly.
What is the difference between an iliton and a katasarkion?
The katasarkion is the white linen that covers the entire altar table, under the indition. The iliton is a much smaller cloth that wraps the antimins specifically. Both are present on every Orthodox altar; they serve different functions.
Can the iliton be washed?
Yes, gently — by hand, cold water, mild soap, line dry. Most parishes wash the iliton only when truly necessary, as frequent washing wears the embroidery.
Do you embroider the iliton with an icon?
Typically only a central cross. Some traditions also embroider the symbols of the four Evangelists at the corners — we can do this on request.
How long does a custom iliton take?
2-4 weeks. The iliton is simpler than most liturgical embroidery so we can usually turn one around quickly.
What our customers say
Beautiful embroidery. A pleasure to work with Yana.
Thank you so much! Beautifully done.
It's a great product! Thank you!
My second order from this vendor. Can't recommend her enough.
The vestments were just as described and are top quality. I would recommend this vendor to anyone willing to pay a little more and get more.
The Gospel Cover is beautiful, and the workmanship is superb. Great customer service and quick response time.
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Complete the Set
Coordinating pieces to match this vestment — ordered together so the brocade and embroidery align.
