A ciborium in a church is a vessel, typically a covered cup or chalice, used to hold the consecrated bread (Eucharistic hosts) during the Eucharist service. It's a sacred container, often made of precious metals like gold or silver, and is a vital part of Christian worship, particularly in Catholic, Anglican, and related churches. Beyond its functional role, the ciborium also holds deep symbolic meaning, representing the body of Christ and the sacrament of Communion.
In Christian churches, a chalice is a special cup, often made of precious metal, used during the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper). It holds the wine that is consecrated and believed to become the blood of Christ. The chalice is a central symbol in the Eucharist, representing both the sacrifice of Christ and the sharing of his blood with the faithful.
