Orthodox Prayer Rope, Chotki, Komboskini 50 knot 3 barRussian cross

Prayer rope/ Komboskini (Greek)/Chotki(Russian)Tied with love by myself, here in the USA materials used: 2mm satin cord, metal beads. I am the maker.Some information about prayer ropes:Orthodox tradition- a loops of knots used to keep track of the number of prayers which have been said. There is typically a knotted cross where the prayer rope is joined together, and a few spacer beads at certain intervals for ease in counting.The rope is traditionally used with the prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.", but any prayer or combination of prayers can be said.Styles:The traditional color of the rope is black (symbolizing mourning for one's sins) and were tied with pure wool cord (symbolizing the flock of Christ). Sometimes polished Jerusalem Olive wood beads are strung together in place of cord.The ends of an Orthodox prayer rope can differ. The Greek style (Komboskini) ends with a knotted cross. The Russian style (Chotki) ends with a cross and tassel, often made in red to remind of the blood of Christ.The most common lengths are 100-knot ropes, or 33 knot bracelets ( the age at which Jesus was crucified).A monk might be given a black 300 or 500 knot rope from his Bishop upon tonsure.Though prayer ropes are often tied by monastics, lay persons are permitted to make them also.History:It's invention is attributed to St Anthony of the Desert in the fourth century as an aid for illiterate Monks to accomplish a consistent number of prayers. "The purpose is to help us concentrate, not necessarily to count."The weight of the rope either in the pocket, or wrapped around the left wrist when not in use, would remind the monks to pray constantly in accordance with St. Paul's injunction in 1st Thessalonians.Previously, monks would count their prayers by casting pebbles or seeds into a bowl, but this was cumbersome, and could not be easily accomplished when outside the cell.Finally, the knots of an Orthodox prayer rope are complicated, with many crossings and very symbolic.The story of the "angelic knot" :There was a monk who wanted to make a prayer rope in order to count his prayers. However, each time that the monk completed a few knots, a demon would come by and untie them all. The demon knew for what purpose the monk was tying his rope and out of fear and spite wanted to keep him from being able to complete it. One day an angel of God appeared to the monk and, answering his prayers for help, taught him how to make a special kind of knot composed of seven interconnected crosses. This knot was so complicated and, having on it so many crosses, the demon was unable to untie it and the monk was finally able to finish his rope! read more