I. Western Liturgies

Eating and drinking vessels (vasa sacra) constitute important liturgical objects (Liturgical implements: I) in the light of the Christian meal community. They include the chalice (calix) or cup and (of less importance) the bread plate or paten (patena). From apostolic times onwards, Christian fellowship has been primarily a fellowship of the cup (see also Chalice, Witholding of the). The increase…