More diminutive, but corpulent, in stature then its svelte, statuesque, sibling the ciborium, the pyx is none of the less a vessel set apart to contain the sacred species, i.e. bread or wafers consecrated in the celebration of the Eucharist.   The term itself is a direct Latin transliteration of the Greek (pyxis), referring to a small box, or wood receptable.

In ancient Greece, these small containers were exceedingly common and were predominately used to carry cosmetics... yes, cosmetics.   So how did a common compact become the reverent receptacle for the bread of life, you ask?

Well, the answer is that, throughout the church's history, the term pyx has been used to apply to containers that vary in size and shape from fifty pound chalice-shaped leviathans to half ounce coin-shaped sprites for bearing the sacrament.

In short, while it is true to say that "a pyx is a pyx is a pyx" throughout the vessel's history it has born myriad shapes, sizes and functions.

In the early church the term pyx referred to a large, sometimes chalice-like, vessel that hung, veiled, above the altar, keeping the sacrament "in reserve" for the sick and dying who could not attend the mass.

However, during the middle ages so much mystery and superstition shrouded the sacrament that pagan cults, particularly those who practiced the dark arts, began to violate the sanctity of pyxes in order to steal the consecrated bread.

This necessitated a new design for the pyx and in short order it was reduced in stature and dimension to the pyx we have here at Trinity: a small round silver lidded container capable fo being stowed safely away in an aumbry or tabernacle.

Those who attend the 8:00 a.m. service or mid-week Eucharist are quite familiar with this incarnation of the pyx since it rests gracefully on the credence until the wafers are placed on the paten for consecration.

However, when used thus the pyx is, strictly speaking, no real pyx at all, but a ciborium.   For what distinguishes the two, a ciborium from a pyx, is this; a pyx is used only to contain the reserved sacrament.

In other words, while the ciborium spends much of its life in the open, gracing the holy table during the celebration of the Eucharist, the pyx is relegated to reserve the body of Christ behind closed doors-nestled safely and securely in the aumbry or tabernacle.

Getting back to the Greeks, the proper placement of the pyx explains why the most "compact" example - no pun intended - of this sacred vessel is rarely seen.

Despite its rare appearances the smallest sampling of the pyx is also very much in use here at Trinity - we have three of them.

These silver coin-shaped containers, not much greater in circumference than a silver-dollar, are used exclusively for bringing communion to the sick and the dying.

In other words, like their Greek ancestor the pixis, our compact vessels are only used when we are "going out on the town."

The difference, of course, is that, unlike its usage in Greek culture, our pyx does not contain mere cosmetics with the intention of "keeping up appearances."

Rather, the bread of life which the pyx contains is meant to refresh the souls of those who could not be present to partake of the real presence of Christ.