Skeuophylax (Greek: σκευοφύλαξ), feminine form skeuophylakissa (σκευοφυλάκισσα), meaning "keeper of the vessels", is an ecclesiastical office in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Usually held by a priest, the office of the skeuophylax is entrusted with looking after the sacred vessels and furnishings of a church or monastery.
[1] In Byzantine times, the skeuophylax played an important role in the liturgy, and, alongside the oikonomos or steward, administered the property of the respective church or monastery.
[1] He headed a department (sekreton) known as the mega skeuophylakeion (μέγα σκευοφυλακείον), with a number of subordinate secretaries (chartoularioi).
This sekreton probably had its origins in the corps of 12 skeuophylakes (four priests, six deacons and two lectors) recorded as forming part of the staff of the Great Church in 612.