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Prayer with the Orthodox prayer rope, also called tchotki or komboskini, is one of the oldest spiritual practices in the Eastern Christian tradition.
Whether you are a beginner or a confirmed believer, praying the Orthodox prayer rope can transform your relationship with God and anchor you in a simple, repetitive and deeply soothing prayer.
In this article, we will guide you step by step:
- First, by explaining what an Orthodox prayer rope is
- Then by showing you how to use it practically for prayer
- And finally, by presenting the different forms of prayer ropes available according to the Greek and Russian traditions, and the different formats.
1. What is an Orthodox prayer rope?
The Orthodox rosary, or tchotki , is much more than a simple religious accessory. It embodies a tradition of inner Orthodox prayer dating back to the early centuries of Christianity .
Used in both Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches, the tchotki is a tool for contemplation, silence and communion with Christ through the repetition of the prayer of the heart.
The tchotki: a traditional prayer tool
The tchotki or komboskini , is a hand-braided rosary , often made of black wool, composed of a precise number of knots – 33, 50, 100 , sometimes more.
Each knot represents an invocation : most often the famous prayer "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner".
This simple and repetitive form of prayer allows one to calm the mind, refocus the soul, and experience the presence of God in the silence of the heart.
→ Discover: our collection of authentic Orthodox prayer ropes (33, 50 and 100 knots).
Differences with the Catholic rosary
Unlike the Catholic rosary, which follows a fixed structure (mysteries, decades, Hail Mary…), the Orthodox rosary has no rigid structure . It is based on the free repetition of Jesus' prayer.
There is no meditation on the mysteries, nor an alternation of different prayers : only regularity, concentration, and humility of heart matter. The Orthodox rosary is a means of placing oneself in God's presence , without artifice or distraction.
The Greek and Russian origins of the Orthodox prayer rope
The Orthodox prayer rope has its roots in the monasteries of Mount Athos, Greece, dating back to the 4th century. At that time, the monks were looking for a simple way to structure their prayers throughout the day.
Gradually, this tradition spread throughout the Orthodox world, particularly in Russia, where the Russian Orthodox prayer rope took on specific forms, sometimes adorned with icons or engraved crosses.
Even today, several types are distinguished according to origin:
- The Orthodox prayer rope with 33 knots: often used for short prayers
- The Orthodox prayer rope with 50 knots: simple and hand-braided
- The Orthodox prayer rope 100 knots: perfect for prolonged prayers
On the left, a Catholic rosary - on the right, an Orthodox prayer rope with 50 beads
2. Which prayer rope should I choose to begin with?
If you are new to the Orthodox rosary, your choice of chotki will depend on your pace, your experience, and the amount of time you wish to dedicate to prayer . Here are three common models in the Orthodox tradition, each suited to a different use:
Orthodox prayer rope with 33 beads
The 33-bead Orthodox prayer rope is perfect for beginners. Composed of 33 beads or knots, it symbolizes the 33 years of Christ's earthly life .
It allows you to recite the Jesus Prayer a reasonable number of times without it seeming too long or discouraging. It's an excellent introduction to the practice of Orthodox prayer.
This tchotki format also exists in the form of an Orthodox bracelet so that it can be worn on one's daily life.
Orthodox prayer rope with 50 beads
The Greek Orthodox prayer rope with 50 prayer rope is a traditional choice in the monasteries of Mount Athos.
Hand-braided from black wool, it offers a beautiful balance between simplicity and depth . It's a popular size for morning or evening prayers. It embodies the essence of the Greek Orthodox rosary : understated and rooted in tradition.
Orthodox prayer rope with 100 beads
The 100-knot Orthodox prayer rope It is aimed at those who wish to deepen their practice and devote more time to prayer.
Used in many Russian monasteries, it allows for the prolonged and regular recitation of the Jesus Prayer. This type of Russian Orthodox rosary is particularly suited to times of retreat or inner silence.
3. How to pray the Orthodox prayer rope?
Praying with an Orthodox prayer rope, or tchotki, is a profoundly simple act… yet infinitely powerful. This repetitive prayer helps to calm the mind, recenter the heart, and unite with Christ in inner silence.
Here's how to do it, step by step:
Prepare your heart and your space
Before we begin, take a few moments to refocus:
- Choose a quiet place , conducive to contemplation.
- Place an Orthodox icon or a candle nearby if it helps you to concentrate.
- Sit or stand with your back straight in a stable position.
- Take a deep breath. Put aside your distractions.
This inner disposition is essential to enter into prayer with humility.
Steps in prayer: what to say and when?
The heart of the Orthodox rosary prayer is the Jesus Prayer , short and powerful:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Each knot or bead corresponds to a repetition of this prayer. You can:
- Make the sign of the cross at the beginning and at the end.
- Recite the prayer silently or in a low voice .
- If your rosary has a cross at the end, you can recite the Our Father or a Gloria on it.
→ Concrete example with a 33-bead Orthodox rosary:
Recite the Jesus prayer 33 times, slowly passing your fingers over each knot.
Rhythm, frequency and inner attitude
Praying the Orthodox rosary is not a performance. It is not the quantity that counts, but the presence of the heart, the real and deep connection .
Here are some tips:
- Start with a short rosary (33 beads) if you are a beginner.
- Pray 1 to 2 times a day : in the morning to ground yourself, in the evening to refocus.
- Let the prayer descend into your heart. Avoid going too fast .
- Don't try to "feel" anything. Loyalty is enough .
4. Prayers used with the prayer rope
The Orthodox rosary is first and foremost a simple, humble, yet intense support for prayer. Unlike other forms of devotion, it does not rely on complex meditations , but on the prayerful repetition of profound invocations, centered on the presence of God.
The Jesus Prayer
At the heart of the use of the chotki is the Jesus Prayer , one of the oldest and most revered in the Eastern Christian tradition:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Recited at each knot or bead , this prayer of the Orthodox rosary is a cry of love and repentance, repeated until it becomes a breath of the soul. It gradually leads to a form of inner peace and union with God .
This invocation can be simplified in some traditions, especially for beginners:
"Lord Jesus, have mercy on me."
Some advanced practitioners, such as the monks of Mount Athos, integrate this prayer into rhythmic breathing , to promote prayer of the heart.
Additional invocations (Marian, saints, etc.)
Although the Jesus Prayer is central, other invocations may accompany the Orthodox rosary prayer , according to local traditions and liturgical seasons:
Prayer to the Mother of God:
"Most Holy Mother of God, save us."
Invocation to a patron saint:
"Saint Nicholas, pray to God for us."
"Saint Mary Magdalene, intercede for me."
Formulas of praise:
"Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and throughout all ages. Amen."
The important thing is to maintain regularity and a present heart , rather than multiplying prayers. The rosary is not a catalog of texts: it is a path of union , a school of patience, humility, and love.
Praying the Orthodox prayer rope: In Summary
Praying the Orthodox prayer rope is not about performing a feat, but about entering into a simple and profound prayer of the heart .
Each knot or grain becomes a step inward, a breath that recenters, a word that unites with God.
Whether you are a beginner or a regular practitioner, the key is to remain consistent, to pray with attention and humility , even if only a few minutes a day.
The rosary offers you a framework to move forward in peace, regularity and in the presence of Christ .
Would you like to start practicing this prayer? Orthodox Shop offers various models of traditional Orthodox prayer rope to accompany you in your moments of connection with God.
