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Star, Golden

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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in the Greek Church, is an instrument used by the Greeks in the liturgy, and is a star of precious metal surmounted by a cross, which is placed on the paten to cover the host and support a veil from contact with the eucharist. It recalls the mystic star of the magi, and is called the Asteriscus. In the Latin Church it is a vessel for the exhibition of the host at the communion of the pope on Easter day. One with twelve rays is used to cover the paten when carried by the cardinal-deacon to communicate the eucharist to the pope.