Prosphora

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Russian style commemorational prosphora after liturgy

A prosphora (Greek Πρόσφορον or Πρόσφορα in plural, Offering) is a small loaf of bread used in Orthodox Christian ritual.

1 Divine liturgy
2 Panagia
3 Reference
4 External links

[edit] Divine liturgy

In the part of the Divine Liturgy known as Liturgy of Preparation a portion of the prosphora, known as the lamb (or amnon) is cut out during the proskomedia which is consecrated during the Divine Liturgy to be the Eucharist, while the rest is cut up for the antidoron, the blessed bread distributed at the end of the liturgy.

During its preparation, prosphora is stamped with an image usually including IC XC NIKA ("Jesus Christ conquers"), which is maintained during baking and then serves as a guide for cutting out the lamb during the proskomedia. Prosphora can vary in size and stamp in different traditions. Generally, the Slavic traditions use smaller prosphora with a simpler stamp, while the Byzantine ones use larger ones with a more complex stamp.

[edit] Panagia

Prosphora with the icon of the Theotokos is called Panagia and is solemnly blessed (αρτος της παναγιας) in her honor during the Divine Liturgy; this practice is usually only performed today in Greek monasteries. This bread is blessed over the holy table, before the blessing of the antidoron, with the phrase "Great is the name of the Holy Trinity."

After the liturgy, a triangular portion is cut from the prosphora by the refectorian (monk in charge of the refectory). The Panagia is then cut in half and laid crumb upwards on a dish in a small table in the refectory. After the meal, the refectorian takes off his epanokamelavkion and kamilavkion, saying, "Bless me, holy Fathers, and pardon me a sinner," to which the brotherhood replies, "May God pardon and have mercy on you." Then, taking the Panagia in his fingertips, he lifts it up while saying, "Great is the name," and then the community continues with "of the Holy Trinity." The rite then continues with "All-holy Mother of God, help us" with the reply "At her prayers, O God, have mercy and save us." Two hymns are then sung while the refectorian, accompanied by a cleric with a hand censer, offers the Panagia to those assembled. Each takes a piece between his finger and thumb, passes it through the incense, and then eats it.