The Great Epitaphios / Plashchanitsa has returned to its place within St Barbara’s Church. This major textile artefact of our liturgical heritage underwent specialist restoration over a period of six months.
The work stabilised the piece, treated areas weakened by time and restored it to suitable conditions for long-term preservation. The Epitaphios is now displayed in a new protective frame, designed to ensure the long-term preservation of this ancient textile whilst allowing worshippers and visitors to continue to view it in the church.
This restoration is part of a wider project to restore the liturgical objects of Sainte-Barbara. Carried out in coordination with the Unité patrimoine mobilier et immatériel of the Canton of Vaud, this programme aims to ensure the preservation of several objects and textiles that have been part of parish life since the church’s consecration.
As part of this ongoing effort, the Church Foundation has also launched the restoration of the two large processional banners. These banners, used during celebrations and processions, had never undergone any conservation work until now. Their restoration therefore represents an important step in safeguarding this heritage collection.
The work has been entrusted to the same textile art specialist who carried out the restoration of the Epitaphios, to ensure a consistent approach that respects the original materials.
This type of work requires time, specific skills and significant resources. The conservation of this heritage also relies on the support of the congregation, friends of the parish and those committed to the preservation of religious and cultural heritage.
To support the ongoing restoration projects, you can make a donation on this page: Support us