khorugv

The name may derive from Slavic word Khorugv (banner).

Above the canopy stands the state khorugv, of gold cloth, on which is depicted the Medium State Seal.

On Good Friday and Great Saturday, the khorugv will have black cloth tied around their borders, indicating mourning over the death of Christ.

Two other 'khorugv' for guerilla warfare were formed, one Polish and one Serbian, that would tackle the Turks.

The khorugv will usually come in line right after the Cross in processions, representing triumphant banners leading the faithful in their pilgrimage to the kingdom of heaven.

The khorugv or banner consists of an icon of Christ, the Theotokos or a saint, either painted or embroidered on a rectangular piece of cloth.

In 1707, Apostol Kigetsch, a Wallachian nobleman under the Russian Emperor Peter the Great, was given the task to form a 'khorugv' ("banner" or "squadron") of 300 men that would be employed on the Turkish-Russian border.