chotki

A chotki, also known as a prayer rope, is a string of beads used in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It is an important spiritual tool for prayer and is typically made from wool or silk. The number of knots can vary, but commonly ranges from 33, 50, 100, or 300. Each knot is usually a small tassel or loop, and the beads themselves are often made of wood, seeds, or glass.

The chotki serves as a tactile aid for prayer, helping the user keep track of the number of prayers recited. The most common prayer associated with the chotki is the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." By passing the beads through their fingers, a person can focus their mind on the prayer and cultivate a state of continuous prayer, or *nepsis*.

The origin of the chotki is attributed to Saint Anthony of Egypt in the 4th century, though similar prayer beads were likely in use in various traditions. Monks and nuns, as well as laypeople, use the chotki in both monastic settings and daily life. It is not a sacrament or an object of worship, but rather a devotional aid. The chotki is usually worn around the wrist or kept in a pocket, and it is treated with reverence. The act of praying with a chotki is a deeply personal and contemplative practice.