Church semantron (talanto)

Before church bells became widespread, wooden semantra were used in both monasteries and parish churches. Under Ottoman rule they came back into use, because ringing bells was forbidden. Today they are used only in monasteries, with a different semantron for each service of the day and night.

a) The talanto, or hand semantron, is a long, narrow board that may have three or five holes at its ends. Three holes symbolise the Holy Trinity, while five holes, in the shape of a cross, stand for the human senses, which must stay awake.

b) The megasimantro, or kopanos, is a thick, long, narrow hanging board, also with three or five holes at its ends, symbolising the Holy Trinity and the five senses. Its sound symbolises the teaching of the New Testament, the presence of God made man on earth and His preaching, as well as the 'talent' given to each person, to be used well, as in the parable of the talents.

c) The agiosidero ('holy iron') is a metal semantron. Its sound recalls the trumpet of the Angel that will be heard at the Second Coming, the voice of God who will give every person His just judgement.