Before Divine Liturgy, after the priest says his entrance prayers and vests, he performs what is known as the Prothesis......

Before Divine Liturgy, after the priest says his entrance prayers and vests, he performs what is known as the Prothesis, meaning in “setting forth” in Greek). This service is also known as the Proskomedia (meaning “offering” or “preparing the offering”) or the Office of Oblation. During this service the priest prepares the Gifts (bread and wine) which will eventually be transported to the Holy Altar for consecration to the Body and Blood of Christ. 

Five loaves of specially baked bread (Prosphora – meaning “offering”), are used to cut portions which are then placed prominently on the Diskos: 1) Lamb (which will be consecrated into the Body of Christ); 2) commemoration of the Theotokos; 3) commemoration of the nine ranks of saints; 4) commemoration of the faithful living (the “Church Militant”); and 5) remembrance of the faithful departed (the “Church Triumphant”).

It is from these last two loaves which the priest takes out particles for the Living and the Dead, remembering them by name and placing them upon the Diskos epitomizing the collective nature and “gathering” (synaxis) of the Church around the Lamb of God – because the Good Shepherd knows each of His Flock by name.

Fr. John