Lestovka

Semi-Autonomous: At the bottom of the lestovka hang four lapostki, which are flaps, usually triangular, but such variations as bell or oak-leaf shapes are not uncommon.

These seven pieces represent the seven Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Church, their location near the leaves of the lapostki indicating their origin in and central relation to the Gospels.

Then are thirty-eight small counters, representing the thirty-six weeks and two days during which the Theotokos carried Christ in her womb.

If one is unable to attend services in church for whatever reasons, it is considered commendable to pray on the lestovka, using a number of repetitions of the Jesus prayer combined with specific bows and prostrations.

Other uses of the lestovka include counting the twelve or forty repetitions of Lord have mercy used as responses at the Divine Liturgy and Canonical hours.

Notably, many people outside of Old Believer or Old Ritualist circles use smaller Lestovki with only 50 steps, to differentiate from Old Ritualitsts proper.