Relic
A relic is a sacred object associated with a saint or the Lord. The relics may include liturgical vestments of a saint, objects associated with the martyrdom of a saint, and even objects of significance such as the burial shroud of the Lord or the spear of St. Longinus. Not only possessions, but also the physical remains of the saints themselves are relics. Depending on context the word "relic" without further detail often refers specifically to bodily remains.
Veneration
Relics are venerated in a manner similar to icons.
Antimension
- Main article: Antimension.
A relic of a saint, always a martyr, is contained in every Orthodox antimension. This antimension serves effectively as the priest's badge of office from the bishop, without which the liturgy can not be performed.[1]
Incorruption
Some relics are known to resist natural decay and remain wholly or partially intact for a prolonged period or even indefinitely. This is something distinct from mummification, with which it is often conflated. Mummification may occur due to conditions unsuitable for the growth of microbes, including intentional embalming, whereas the Orthodox are to be interred in ordinary graves and do not embalm our dead. When natural conditions at the grave site—particularly lack of moisture and oxygen—prevent decay, this is irrelevant to the discussion of incorruption.
Incorruption is not, as is sometimes claimed,[2] proof per se of sainthood. In fact it may be interpreted as a sign of unrepentant sins, and result in prayers for the dead being called for.[3] It may be said that the earth has refused to accept the remains, something which can also be seen in traditions of how Adam's skull rolled about the earth.
Some heretics and pagans also claim incorruption among their supposed holy men. This is common in Buddhism as well as in Roman Catholicism, the latter being well known for coating their "saints" in wax and claiming that the practice constitutes incorruption, which it does not.
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