www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy Replacement Censer Bells & Chain?

I have a nice, antique censer less chains. I thought I might configure this one in an Eastern (and possibly Anglican) tradition using shorter chains and the addition of bells. My former pastor told me that censers used in Slavic-tradition churches have somewhat longer chains than those used in Greek-tradition churches. Is there any truth to that?

Any idea of a good supplier for little bells? I'm tempted to use 1" diameter gold jingle bells. They not only sound better than most censer bells they are also cheap and easy to find. I worry however that the liturgical wonks (and you know who you are) out there with sharp eyes will think "Ahoy! What sort of loser would use inexpensive jingle bells on a censer?!?" Any suggestions (even pithy ones) are be welcomed.

There are several companies out there that sell chain by the foot. Anything to watch out for? Thanks much.

Russian style: 76cm chains, 12 bells (12 Apostles). Bells should be silver. The various Greek Liturgical Supply Houses should be able to help you in this regard.

Alexandr

p.s. A good censer is heavy. Make sure you use chains with brazed or welded links. Otherwise, when flipped overhead, the chains may break and fly across the Church. I've seen this happen with those cheap, pressed metal censers so prevalent these days.

Thanks for the information. Bells should be silver not gold? Fascinating! I did not know they swung censers in a full circle in the East as they do most commonly in Anglicanism and much less commonly in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church.

This censer is quite heavy (cast bronze) so your comments are very much appreciated...

Many years.