The pokrovetses (from Slavonic pokrov – “covering”) are the three small embroideries used for covering the Holy Chalice and the Holy Diskos during the Divine Liturgy. Since they are used together, as well as the liturgical vessels they cover, they make up a set that is usually made and gifted at the same time.

Only one such set, dating back to Stephen the Great’s time, respectively to 1481, is kept at the Putna Monastery. The Communion of the Holy Apostles with the Holy Body of Christ is represented on the first pokrovets. This cover is destined for the Holy Diskos. The embroidered scene presents Jesus Christ, the Son of God, standing under a canopy and offering the Divine Eucharist to the Holy Apostles: Peter, Matthew, and Mark (on the right), respectively Jacob, Bartholomew, and Thomas (on the left). A holy archangel is represented to the right of Jesus, both his and the Lord’s vestment bordered with embroidered pearls. The characters are represented surrounding the Holy Table, which is covered with a vestment embroidered with the Holy Cross. Among the three arms of the cross (one of which is in an oblique position), the following letters are embroidered: ÏS HS/NÏ KA (the acronym for “Jesus Christ conquers”). At the center of the Holy Table are represented a chalice and two loaves of bread. Along the margins of the embroidery runs the inscription: “Take, eat, this is My Body, which is broken for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Under the feet of the apostles is another inscription: “This holy pokrovets was renewed by me, Maria Nestor, consort of Logothete Ioniță Adam.” The icon is embroidered with pearls on brown satin.

The second little pokrovets is decorated with the icon of the Communion of the Holy Apostles with the Holy Blood of Christ, and is destined for the Holy Chalice. Its iconography is as follows: under a canopy supported by four columns, our Savior offers the Divine Communion to the Holy Apostles. The first person who receives it is Paul, followed by the Holy Apostles Luke and Simeon. To Jesus’ left are represented Apostles Matthew, Andrew, and Philip. In front of the Savior is represented a Holy Table with a chalice and two loaves of bread. The partially red tablecloth is adorned with a three-armed cross. Among the three arms of the cross (the last of which is in an oblique position), the following letters are embroidered: ÏS HS/NÏ KA. Along the margins of the embroidery runs the inscription: “Drink of it all of you; this is My Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.” The icon is embroidered on brown satin, and the margins of the characters’ vestments are decorated with pearls.