Dečani monastery, Coffin-reliquary (sarcophagus) with the relics of the Holy King Stefan of Dečani

Dečani monastery, coffin.reliquary with the relics of the Holy King Stefan of Dečani represents the only surviving and hence particularly valuable medieval Serbian coffin-reliquary (sarcophagus).
Its carved geometric, floral and zoomorphic ornaments finished by painting and gilding evoke the heavenly abode the saint dwells in. From the standpoint of function, it is undoubtedly an object of the highest rank. Its shape and location –raised on tall legs beneath the holy king’s fresco portraitat the side of the iconostasis – not only materialised the saint’s praesentia but also enabled all permitted forms of veneration. In addition to the usual ‘see and touch’, the custom of lying or pulling oneself under the coffin was, and still is, believed to be particularly effective.
The royal relics have been perfectly preserved and therefore remain the foci of veneration to this day.