Orthodox prayer rope (Greek Komboskini / Russian Chotki), handmade in the Israel using 2 mm black satin cord with wooden beads and three Trinity beads. Black is the traditional color symbolizing repentance and mourning for sins.

Prayer ropes are used to keep track of prayers, most commonly:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” though any prayer may be said.

The Greek style ends with a knotted cross, while the Russian style ends with a cross and tassel (often red, symbolizing Christ’s blood). Common sizes include 100-knot ropes or 33-knot bracelets (representing Christ’s age at crucifixion).

Traditionally attributed to St. Anthony of the Desert in the 4th century, the prayer rope was created to help monks maintain consistent prayer. Its purpose is to aid concentration rather than simply counting. The knots are intricate and symbolic, including the “angelic knot,” formed with seven interconnected crosses, which—according to tradition—cannot be undone by evil.