Orthodox faith - prosphora-alf. Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills

Many people, attending services in the church, noticed that small loaves of bread, called prosphora, were handed out at them. They are considered a real shrine, which must be honored and protected so as not to deteriorate. The rules regarding the use of such church treats are known.

What is prosphora and why is it eaten?

small loaf round shape made from leavened wheat dough for is called prosphora. There are several facts about this church treat:

1. This word is translated from Greek as "offerings".
2. Any additives in such baking, with the exception of yeast and salt, are not put.
3. Finding out what prosphora is in the Orthodox Church, it should be pointed out that this pastry consists of two parts, which symbolizes the union of human and divine essence in Jesus Christ.
4. On the upper part there is a seal in the form of a cross with equal parties and in the corners are the letters: IC XC NI KA. The presented inscription means - "Jesus Christ conquers." The seal itself personifies the invisible seal of the image of the Lord.
5. If you are interested in what the prosphora symbolizes, then you should know what it represents bread, which Jesus shared among his disciples.

What are prosphora?

There are five main types of sacred bread for the celebration of the liturgy:

1. lamb. This is a large prosphora with a cross, from which a lamb is cut with a special knife - bread, which has a cubic shape. During the liturgy, it becomes the true body of Christ. The part of the prosphora that is not used is called the antidoron and is distributed to the faithful after the service.
2. Bogorodichnaya. On this large prosphora there is the seal "Mary" or the image Mother of God. During proskomidia, a triangular-shaped part is taken out of the upper part and placed on a special dish along with the lamb.
3. ninefold. This species is dedicated to all saints and nine particles are taken from her seal.
4. Zazdravnaya. Two parts are taken from this bread for all participants in the liturgy.
5. mortuary. For all the dead believers, only one particle is taken from the upper part of the prosphora.

There are special types of prosphora, which include artos - bread consecrated on Easter night. The priest asks the Lord for blessings and help in healing illnesses. Throughout the entire Bright Week, Artos is located opposite the Royal Doors, and on Saturday it is divided into small pieces and distributed to believers. This prosphora symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and recalls his presence on earth.

Prosphora - recipe

Sacred bread can be made at home using an old recipe. It is important to know how prosphora is baked, as there are several features that should be considered.

Ingredients:

• flour premium fine grinding - 1.2 kg;
• Holy water;
• yeast - 25 g.

Cooking:

1. Pour some holy water into the container, and then pour in about 400 g of flour. Add boiling water and stir to make a mass, like semolina.
2. When everything has cooled down, put some salt and yeast. Mix and let rise. Then add the rest of the flour and mix well.
3. Leave for another 30 minutes, and then, transfer the dough to the table and roll out the layer. For the bottom layer, a thickness of 18-20 mm is needed, and for the top 11-12 mm. Cover with oilcloth and leave for another 10 minutes.
4. It is necessary to cut the layer into circles, given that the lower part should be larger than the upper one. Cover the lower halves with a towel and oilcloth and leave for half an hour. It is important not to allow the dough to dry out.
5. If you are interested in how to bake prosphora at home, then it is important to know that the baking sheet must be lubricated with a thin layer of natural wax, which is a component of the sun's energy. Place a print of the appropriate size on the top.
6. Lubricate the bottom and connect it to the top. Pierce both halves with a needle to remove excess air, so there will be no voids.
7. The oven should be heated to 200-250 degrees. Bake until done, which is 15-20 minutes.
8. Ready-made breads need to be covered with several layers: with a dry cloth, wet, then dry again and with a blanket. In this state, leave the prosphora for an hour.

Prosphora - how to use?

There are several rules regarding how to eat sacred bread correctly. This should be done in the morning on an empty stomach and for starters it is recommended to spread a clean napkin on the table and put bread and water on it. When figuring out how to eat prosphora at home, it is worth saying that before eating, a prayer intended for this occasion must be said. They eat bread over a plate so that the crumbs do not fall on the floor. It is important to note that prosphora should not be used in cemeteries and crumble on graves.

How to cut the prosphora correctly?

In temples, a special knife designed for this purpose is used to cut the sacred bread. It is called a spear and is a flat knife in the shape of a spearhead. It cannot be stored with other cutlery. Many are interested in whether it is possible to cut the prosphora with a knife, and so most clergy say that ordinary kitchen items not worth using.

Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water

It is believed that when a believer reads a prayer before eating prosphora and drinking holy water, this leads to the sanctification of the body and spirit, enlightenment of thoughts, and it will also protect him from evil spirits. Parts of the prosphora are taken out at the end of the liturgy, and the faithful must fold their palms in a cross, with the right one covering the left. After the transfer of the prosphora, it is necessary to kiss the hand of the clergyman. Having brought the sacred bread home, put it on a clean napkin, and before eating, a prayer must be read before taking the prosphora and holy water.

When can you eat prosphora?

You can eat sacred bread every day, with the exception of a number of restrictions, which will be discussed below. If you are interested in how to eat prosphora correctly, then you should know that it is customary to eat sacred bread on an empty stomach with a sense of humility. The clergy say that it is useful for all believers to start their day with prosphora, which should be washed down with holy water.

Is it possible to eat prosphora not on an empty stomach?

The rule concerning the use of sacred bread and water on an empty stomach did not arise just like that, since they are designed to cultivate reverence in a person and separate eating from eating. Although the holy gifts are received through the mouth, they are involved in digestion digestive system, the believer must understand that church prosphora bread is not food and its absorption is a sacred act.

Is it possible to eat prosphora during menstruation?

There is an opinion that a woman during critical days should avoid everything that has to do with the church, including she should refuse to eat sacred bread. This is explained by the fact that the woman is "unclean" and the holy prosphora will be defiled. This topic is controversial, and different clergy have their own opinions on this matter. St. Athanasius, back in 365, said that a woman cannot be “unclean” during the days of natural renewal of the body, therefore everything is provided for by God. In general, it is impossible to say for sure whether the use of prosphora will be considered a sin.

Is it possible to eat prosphora on Good Friday?

It is considered the strictest day of fasting before Easter and, according to church canons, it is necessary to refuse to eat any food and drinks on this day. The exception is prosphora and holy water. It is quite possible to hold out on bread and water for a day, but do not forget that these foods should not be eaten to saturate, but to receive a blessing. As for when they eat prosphora in Good Friday, then it is better to do this in the morning, and then, if possible, refrain from taking it.

What to do with dried prosphora?

Many do not know how to properly treat sacred bread brought from the church or made with their own hands. Like any other baking, prosphora becomes dry after some time and many do not know what to do with them. It's simple: you need to soak the bread in holy water and eat it. It is important to know what to do with the prosphora brought from the church, so it must be kept in a holy corner next to the icons and with holy water. For long-term storage, it is recommended to put the bread in a paper bag.

The prosphora is moldy - what to do?

If the sacred loaf is spoiled, then this is considered the result of careless attitude to the shrine and the clergy recommend confessing for this sin. For those who are interested in what to do with moldy prosphora, you should know that it must be treated in the same way as with other shrines that need to be thrown into destruction. There are several options for action:

1. Bury it in a place where people will not walk, that is, where people will not walk.
2. Let it go down the river, but it is important that it does not stick to the shore, so either grind it up or tie it to a stone.
3. You can take the spoiled prosphora to the church, where it will be burned.
4. Priests are allowed to grind bread and give it to birds, but it is forbidden to throw crumbs on the ground, so put them on a plank. It is forbidden to give prosphora to animals.

Hello dear readers. Many people go to church every Sunday to light candles and pray for their loved ones. But not everyone is so often in the temple of God, so many things remain a mystery to them. If you were in church on Easter, then you probably tried such a church treat as prosphora. Of course, not everyone has heard of such a name, calling it simply "church bread." But if you still attend church, then you need to know how and when they eat prosphora. Such information will not be superfluous for anyone. But first of all, you should understand what prosphora is and why it is so important for the church. As you know, it is cooked on wheat flour and holy water, which is what makes these breads so special.

It is with the help of them that a person can not only be cleansed of sins, but also draw closer to God.

In order not to get into an uncomfortable situation while in church, it is necessary to become more familiar with such church treats as prosphora - what it is and why, when to eat.

Having received the answer to these questions, you will understand how important this process is for believers, because there are many rules that must be followed in the process of using prosphora.

What is a prosphora?

The meaning of the word "prosphora" in Greek means "offering". In the first centuries of our era, people brought this bread to the church, in fact, that is why it got its name.

This bread is prepared from the most simple products, which we usually use to make ordinary bread. That is, wheat flour, yeast, salt and water are used. But the main difference is that the prosphora is prepared on the basis of holy water, which gives this bread special properties.

The use of plain flour and holy water is a symbol of the union of human and divine nature in Jesus. Prosphora is used not only during large church holidays but also with weekly church attendance.

The bread itself consists of two parts, which are first molded separately, but then joined together. That is why it turns out unusual shape. As you have noticed, a special seal is placed on the upper part.

The lower part of the prosphora symbolizes human flesh, and top part speaks of his spiritual beginning.

That is, such a division of bread into two parts means the division of a person into a soul and a body, which are components of one whole - a person. Bread combines flour and water, which also makes one bread.

Appearance and types of prosphora

Few people know that the prosphora also symbolizes the bread that Jesus shared with his disciples at the Last Supper. That is why so much attention is paid to the use of this bread.

Externally, such a flour product bears little resemblance to bread, since it has a round shape, which makes it look like a cookie. The top of the product is decorated with a certain pattern, which was obtained through a special print.

In the image, we can see an equilateral cross, which is surrounded on all sides by church symbols in the form of beeches.

In fact, prosphora differs from ordinary bread in that holy water is used in the process of its preparation. And on its top we can see a stamp with a certain pattern and inscription, which also make this treat special.

It is believed that such a product cannot deteriorate or become moldy, because it is sacred. But, of course, it also happens that even such bread becomes moldy or stale. Perhaps the whole thing is in the wrong cooking process.

Kinds

Surely, you thought that there is only one prosphora, which is used on any occasion. But this is not entirely true, because in total there are five varieties of prosphora, each of which has its own differences not only in purpose, but also in its appearance.

1. Mother of God

Such bread is baked in the shape of a triangle, so it is quite easy to distinguish it from other types. At the top we can see the inscription "Holy Mother of God". The product is laid out on a special dish, with which it is served. Usually this type of prosphora is used precisely for church holidays.

2. Lamb

This product is made in the form of a cube. It is believed that during the chants such bread becomes the body of Jesus Christ. A cross is also depicted on the bread itself, but besides this, a lamb is also carved. That is, initially bread is baked in the same round shape, but only a cube is cut out of the finished product. The rest of the bread is simply distributed to the parishioners.

3. Nine digit

From the middle of the loaf, nine equal parts are taken, which are dedicated to all the saints. That is, such bread is used for the prophets, apostles and saints.

4. Zazdravnaya

Such bread is divided into two equal parts, and after the service is divided among all those present.

5. Funeral

AT this case only a small portion of the top of the bread is used. It is used for all the dead, but this can only be done within the walls of the church. But eating bread, and even worse, crumbling it on the grave of the deceased, is strictly prohibited.

Artos and Antidor

As you already understood, all types of prosphora are baked from the same products and have a common round shape. Differences can only be in the image placed on the top of the product. So, the finished prosphora is divided into several parts, which can be different shapes. It depends on the purpose of a particular prosphora.

Artos, translated from Greek, means "leavened bread". This is the name given to the whole loaf, which has a cylindrical shape.

A prosphora is placed in front of the altar long before Easter, but they consecrate it only on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is, on Easter. After that, the already consecrated bread is distributed to the faithful.

But note that the bread is not eaten on the same day. People take consecrated bread to their homes, where it is stored certain time. They use prosphora only when a person falls ill and needs the help of the Lord.

In fact, such a loaf helps to cope with the ailment that struck a person. That is, ideally, such a flour product can be stored for an unlimited amount of time.

But Antidor is translated from Greek as "communion time." This is the name given to the unused part of the bread, which remains after removing the inside of the product. Depending on the purpose of the bread, the shape of the extracted part will change. It can be either triangular or cubic.

This part of the product is distributed to people after the end of the liturgy. It is believed that this part symbolizes the memory of the sufferings of Christ. It should be noted that only baptized people can eat this part of the bread.

How is prosphora stored and used

Such bread is sacred, which means that it can be eaten only on special occasions. Prosphora should not be used every day, because in this way, its direct purpose will be lost.

Usually such bread should be kept at the altar, but if it was distributed to the parishioners, then at home it will be kept only near the icons. Otherwise, the bread will begin to deteriorate, which will mean the loss of its properties.

The use of bread also implies the observance certain rules. Therefore, the product should be eaten slowly, chewing each piece. If crumbs remain after the eaten bread, then they should also be eaten.

It is strictly forbidden to throw away such sacred bread, which means that the crumbs will have to be eaten. But besides this, there are other rules that must be followed.

1. You need to use this sacred product in complete silence. In this case, the process should be done slowly. It is strictly forbidden to swear at this time, even if the bread just lies on the table.

2. Do not leave half-eaten bread on the table. The remaining parts must be carefully folded into a special bag, which is placed near the holy icons.

3. Prosphora can only be used by those people who have taken Orthodox faith. In addition, it is forbidden to eat bread during the church service.

4. If you brought the prosphora home, then you can not eat it right away either. Before embarking on this process, it is necessary to read a prayer. Please note that this bread is only consumed on an empty stomach.

As a rule, such a meal helps a person to embark on the true path. In fact, he has the opportunity to start life anew, as his thinking is cleared, which means that he is ready to do good deeds. A person feels a lightness that he has not experienced before.

Prosphora - what is it. What to do with it, why, when to eat

The dough for such bread is kneaded in holy water, which means that all bread becomes sacred. Thus, a person, eating such bread, is himself sanctified.

Prosphora should be stored in a separate form, but if this is not possible at home, then there are special bags for storing such bread. It does not matter where the bread will be stored, in a church or at home, the main thing is to place it next to the icons.

As we have already found out, such bread should be consumed only on an empty stomach. It should be noted that women during menstruation are forbidden not only to appear in church, but also to eat sacred bread.

It is believed that in the temple any shedding of blood is unacceptable. Even if a person has any bleeding wound, then he is also forbidden to go to church.

On Good Friday, sacred bread is also not allowed.

In addition to all of the above, there are other rules for the use of such a product:

✔ Do not mix prosphora with other products. The point is that it is impossible to eat other dishes at the same time with such bread, even lean ones. Bread should be consumed separately, moreover, only on an empty stomach.

✔ Before use, you must read a prayer. Only then can one begin to eat the sacred bread.

✔ After you have brought bread from the church, you need to lay a clean tablecloth on the table on which you need to put the prosphora. In the process of consumption, you can burn bread with water, but this water must be consecrated;

✔ Be careful when eating bread so that not a single crumb falls to the floor.

If bread is consumed after the service, and usually washed down with warmth, warm water diluted with a small amount of wine. You can replace the wine with jam, which will make the drink sweeter.

After the service, people are given a slice of prosphora, which must be washed down with warmth. It is important here that the sacred food is in no way expelled by unexpected coughing or spitting.

That is, if you came to church by car, then you better refrain from drinking wine. In this case, you can simply ask the ministers of the church for simple blessed water. But, in no case should you spit out the wine that you were supposed to drink.

If the prosphora has deteriorated, what to do with it?

As a rule, prosphora cannot become moldy, as it is cooked in holy water. But sometimes it also happens that the bread can simply become stale. No amount of holy water will help prevent this process.

Of course, you can’t eat bread in this form, and it’s unlikely that you will succeed. But note that it is strictly forbidden to throw away church bread.

Therefore, if it has already happened that the bread has somehow deteriorated, then it is necessary to dispose of it as follows:

✔ Burn the remaining missing bread.

✔ Bury leftover bread in damp soil.

✔ Send to running water.

The leftover bread should never be thrown into the trash, remember this. In addition to these options, you can also take the bread to the church. Give the bread to the ministers of the church, because only they know what to do with the bread that has already become unusable.

Probably the last option is the simplest, since you do not have to perform strange rituals of burning or burying church bread. Leaving spoiled bread in your home is also not recommended.

Not everyone goes to church every week, and some do not always attend it on holidays. Therefore, not everyone knows what prosphora is and how it is used correctly.

But regardless of whether you go to church regularly, or visit it only on holidays, you should know how and when prosphora is used. In addition, if it is possible for you to eat a slice of this sacred bread, then you should know the rules for its use.

In addition, you must understand that it is strictly forbidden to throw away the sacred bread, even if it somehow spoiled. If you got rid of bread from ignorance by simply throwing it into the trash can, then such an action is equated with sin.

On November 13, the Church honors the day of memory of the holy prosphorists of the Caves - the Monk Spyridon and Nicodemus. In this regard, let's talk about prosphora.

This word means "offering" in Greek. In the proper logical sense of the ancient Church, this is any liturgical offering: bread, wine, water, oil, candles. The deacons wrote down the names of the prosphora-offering donors in a special commemorative book and commemorated them at the Liturgy. Later, the word "prosphora" began to be called exactly the bread intended for the Eucharist.

Why exactly bread? Because the Lord Himself called Himself Bread. "I am the Bread of Life" (John 6:48). And during the Last Supper, it was the Lord who broke the bread, saying: “This is my body, which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

Prosphora is a round small bread consisting of two parts (a symbol of the double nature of Christ - God and human). Bread must be yeast or leavened - “live”. Let us recall the gospel parable about the leaven (Matt. 13:33). Prosphora is necessarily baked from pure wheat flour. It also consists of water (can be baptismal) and salt. There is a seal at the top of the prosphora. Most often it is a cross and the letters "Is.", "Xs." - Jesus Christ and the Greek "Nika" - "victory". Images of the Most Holy Theotokos and saints are also possible on the seals.

From the prosphora with the seal of Christ, the Lamb is cut, which at the Liturgy will become the Body of Christ, particles are removed from the rest with the commemoration of the names of the living and deceased Orthodox Christians. At the end of the Liturgy, the prosphora are taken out of the altar and distributed to the faithful. This is often done in a candle shop.

The prosphora must be treated as a shrine. This is no ordinary bread. He participated in the service (Holy of Holies of the Orthodox Church) - Liturgy.

At home, it should be kept in special place, can be consumed near icons, with holy water only on an empty stomach with a special prayer: “Lord my God, may there be Your holy gift: prosphora and Your holy water for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, in the health of my soul and body, in the subjugation of my passions and infirmities, by Thy boundless mercy through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen". You should be attentive to the crumbs, try not to litter or scatter them. Moldy prosphora is disposed of according to custom: it is thrown into the river - into running water.

From my own experience I will say that it is most convenient to store prosphora as follows. While it is fresh, cut it into small pieces, put them in a linen bag to dry (you can also in plastic, just do not close it so that there is air access). When the particles dry out, they are stored for at least a few years. Smaller pieces are easier to eat. In addition, whole prosphora will become moldy much faster, because moisture is stored inside it, which can become a breeding ground for mold spores.

The meaning of the prosphora is similar to the meaning of the antidoron. It is also pieces of prosphora from which the Lamb was carved. The word "antidor" in Greek means "instead of communion." That is, we cannot take communion every day, but we have the opportunity to eat prosphora and drink holy water reverently as a kind of symbol of communion. Not a substitute. These are not equal things. The Body and Blood of Christ is immeasurably higher. But as a symbol of the Liturgy, a symbol of the Holy Eucharist, the materialized memory of which is the prosphora, and, of course, with proper faith, reverence and fear of God, the prosphora enlivens and supports our spiritual and bodily strength.

Religious reading: how to eat a prosphora prayer to help our readers.

Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water is supposed to be known to every believing Christian. It is concise and simple, so learning it by heart is not difficult.

Rite of acceptance of holy water and prosphora

Tasting prosphora and taking holy water is a process that must be accompanied by the sign of the cross and the recitation of a prayer. The rite requires a reverent attitude.

Prosphora and holy water are taken only on an empty stomach after the morning prayer: a small sip is drunk from the water, only a small piece is also eaten from the prosphora. To do all this, you need to try so that even a single crumb of holy bread does not fall by.

The use of prosphora with holy water, according to the recluse Georgy Zadonsky, protects a person from the machinations of an unclean spirit, sanctifies his body and soul, illuminates his thoughts and brings him closer to the Lord God.

Prosphora should not be taken in the morning on the eve of Holy Communion. On this day, this restriction applies to any kind of food.

: text

The text of the prayer accompanying the eating of prosphora and consecrated water is as follows:

Prosphora and its origin

The origins of the origin of prosphora are associated with the first centuries of Christianity. The word “prosphora” is translated from Greek as “offering”. Prosphora used to be called a donation that believers brought with them to perform worship - bread, wine, wax for candles, olive oil(spruces). This donation was accepted by the deacons, and the lists of those who came with the offering were mentioned with prayer during the consecration of the food. Moreover, this list could also include dead people, when relatives brought prosphora on their behalf.

Part of the prosphora - bread and wine - was separated by the deacons for the purpose of transfiguration into Christ's Body and Blood, the wax went to the candles, and everything that remained was distributed to the faithful. Later, only bread used during the liturgy began to be called prosphora. Over time, in the church, instead of ordinary bread, they began to bake prosphora in its modern form.

Prosphora is a bread assembled from 2 separate parts:

1. The upper part is baked with a special print in the form of a four-pointed equilateral cross. On the horizontal bar of the cross, the symbols IC and XC (Jesus Christ) are placed, along it - HI and KA (translated from Greek - “victory”).
2. The lower part resembles an ordinary loaf of bread.

Prosphora is baked from flour, the creation of which took many grains from countless ears, so it symbolizes as the nature of an individual, created from many natural elements, and all mankind as a whole, consisting of many people. Its lower part is the personification of the carnal, earthly beginning of man and mankind, the upper, with a seal, is the beginning of the spiritual. According to the church, human nature is permeated with God's presence, so holy water and yeast are added to the prosphora dough: blessed water is a symbol of God's grace, and yeast is the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.

The division of prosphora into 2 parts is not an accidental phenomenon. The parts symbolize the division of man into flesh (water and flour) and soul (holy water and yeast), which are inextricably linked with each other. Believers can receive the prosphora in their hands after the service - for this, before the start, it is necessary to submit a note “On health” or “On repose” before the start of the liturgy. For each name indicated in the note, a piece of prosphora is taken out.

Antidor(translated from Greek as “instead of a gift”) - small parts of the prosphora, from which the Holy Lamb was taken out on the proskomedia. Antidor is distributed to the faithful after the completion of the liturgy. It is necessary to eat it within the walls of the temple, on an empty stomach, with reverence in the soul, because it is holy bread, from the Lord's altar.

Artos- the whole prosphora. Together with the image of the Resurrection of Christ, it occupies the main place in the temple during the Bright Week. After the Easter celebrations, it is distributed to believers. Artos particles are carefully kept by people as a spiritual cure for ailments and infirmities. It is eaten only on special occasions and always with the words “Christ is Risen!”

Prosphora and artos also need to be stored in the red corner, next to the icons. If they deteriorate, then they must be burned with their own hands or taken to the church for the same purpose, or let them flow along the clean river.

About the origin of holy water

Holy water is next to a believing Christian all his life. This is one of the greatest shrines of Christianity. It is with this word - "shrine" - that its Greek name - "agiasma" is translated into Russian.

Holy water symbolizes God's grace: it cleanses believers from spiritual negativity, strengthens both body and soul. Holy water is practically the main attribute of the sacrament of Baptism. Threefold immersion in it washes a person from sinful impurities, renews him, makes him closer to Jesus Christ. Also, consecrated water is used in all Christian rites of consecration, during prayers, processions.

Every believer Orthodox Christian collects consecrated water on the day of the Epiphany, carries it to his home and keeps it, like a dear shrine, throughout the year. Agiasma is communed with all sorts of diseases, using it together with prayer.

It has long been proven that holy water has extraordinary properties. It remains fresh throughout the year after Epiphany. And St. Demetrius of Kherson wrote about her healing abilities. The Epiphany water was widely used by St. Seraphim of Sarov, giving it to pilgrims. The Monk Ambrose of Optina, with the help of her, raised even terminally ill people to their feet. Seraphim Vyritsky called holy water the strongest medicine, advised her to sprinkle any food, give it every hour a tablespoon to a sick person.

The consecration of water takes place 2 times - on Epiphany Christmas Eve and on the day of Epiphany itself. The Church believes that hagiasma is a spiritual and bodily being that links heaven and earth. It should be in every home where they believe in God. It is necessary to store holy water in the red corner, next to the icons.

Thank you for the text of the prayer! Just looking for.

Our prosphora went bad and I just fed it to the birds. I didn’t know what to burn or take to the church. I'll be smarter next time.

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Prosphora - what is a prosphora in the Orthodox Church?

Many people, attending services in the church, noticed that small loaves of bread, called prosphora, were handed out at them. They are considered a real shrine, which must be honored and protected so as not to deteriorate. The rules regarding the use of such church treats are known.

What is prosphora and why is it eaten?

A small round loaf made from leavened wheat dough in holy water is called prosphora. There are several facts about this church treat:

1. This word is translated from Greek as "offerings".
2. Any additives in such baking, with the exception of yeast and salt, are not put.
3. Finding out what prosphora is in the Orthodox Church, it should be pointed out that this pastry consists of two parts, which symbolizes the union of human and divine essence in Jesus Christ.
4. On the upper part there is a seal in the form of a cross with equal sides and in the corners there are letters: IC XC NI KA. The presented inscription means - "Jesus Christ conquers." The seal itself personifies the invisible seal of the image of the Lord.
5. If you are interested in what the prosphora symbolizes, then you should know what it represents the bread of the Last Supper, which Jesus shared among his disciples.

What are prosphora?

There are five main types of sacred bread for the celebration of the liturgy:

1. lamb. This is a large prosphora with a cross, from which a lamb is cut with a special knife - bread, which has a cubic shape. During the liturgy, it becomes the true body of Christ. The part of the prosphora that is not used is called the antidoron and is distributed to the faithful after the service.
2. Bogorodichnaya. On this large prosphora there is the seal "Mary" or the image of the Mother of God. During proskomidia, a triangular-shaped part is taken out of the upper part and placed on a special dish along with the lamb.
3. ninefold. This species is dedicated to all saints and nine particles are taken from her seal.
4. Zazdravnaya. Two parts are taken from this bread for all participants in the liturgy.
5. mortuary. For all the dead believers, only one particle is taken from the upper part of the prosphora.

There are special types of prosphora, which include artos - bread consecrated on Easter night. The priest asks the Lord for blessings and help in healing illnesses. Throughout the entire Bright Week, Artos is located opposite the Royal Doors, and on Saturday it is divided into small pieces and distributed to believers. This prosphora symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and recalls his presence on earth.

Prosphora - recipe

Sacred bread can be made at home using an old recipe. It is important to know how prosphora is baked, as there are several features that should be considered.

• flour of the highest grade of fine grinding - 1.2 kg;
• Holy water;
• yeast - 25 g.

1. Pour some holy water into the container, and then pour in about 400 g of flour. Add boiling water and stir to make a mass, like semolina.
2. When everything has cooled down, put some salt and yeast. Mix and let rise. Then add the rest of the flour and mix well.
3. Leave for another 30 minutes, and then, transfer the dough to the table and roll out the layer. For the bottom layer, a thickness of 18-20 mm is needed, and for the top 11-12 mm. Cover with oilcloth and leave for another 10 minutes.
4. It is necessary to cut the layer into circles, given that the lower part should be larger than the upper one. Cover the lower halves with a towel and oilcloth and leave for half an hour. It is important not to allow the dough to dry out.
5. If you are interested in how to bake prosphora at home, then it is important to know that the baking sheet must be lubricated with a thin layer of natural wax, which is a component of the sun's energy. Place a print of the appropriate size on the top.
6. Lubricate the bottom and connect it to the top. Pierce both halves with a needle to remove excess air, so there will be no voids.
7. The oven should be heated to 200-250 degrees. Bake until done, which is 15-20 minutes.
8. Ready-made breads need to be covered with several layers: with a dry cloth, wet, then dry again and with a blanket. In this state, leave the prosphora for an hour.

Prosphora - how to use?

There are several rules regarding how to eat sacred bread correctly. This should be done in the morning on an empty stomach and for starters it is recommended to spread a clean napkin on the table and put bread and water on it. When figuring out how to eat prosphora at home, it is worth saying that before eating, a prayer intended for this occasion must be said. They eat bread over a plate so that the crumbs do not fall on the floor. It is important to note that prosphora should not be used in cemeteries and crumble on graves.

How to cut the prosphora correctly?

In temples, a special knife designed for this purpose is used to cut the sacred bread. It is called a spear and is a flat knife in the shape of a spearhead. It cannot be stored with other cutlery. Many are interested in whether it is possible to cut the prosphora with a knife, and so most clergy say that ordinary kitchen items should not be used.

Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water

It is believed that when a believer reads a prayer before eating prosphora and drinking holy water, this leads to the sanctification of the body and spirit, the illumination of thoughts, and it will also protect him from evil spirits. Parts of the prosphora are taken out at the end of the liturgy, and the faithful must fold their palms in a cross, with the right one covering the left. After the transfer of the prosphora, it is necessary to kiss the hand of the clergyman. Having brought the sacred bread home, put it on a clean napkin, and before eating, a prayer must be read before taking the prosphora and holy water.

When can you eat prosphora?

You can eat sacred bread every day, with the exception of a number of restrictions, which will be discussed below. If you are interested in how to eat prosphora correctly, then you should know that it is customary to eat sacred bread on an empty stomach with a sense of humility. The clergy say that it is useful for all believers to start their day with prosphora, which should be washed down with holy water.

Is it possible to eat prosphora not on an empty stomach?

The rule concerning the use of sacred bread and water on an empty stomach did not arise just like that, since they are designed to cultivate reverence in a person and separate eating from eating. Although the holy gifts are received through the mouth, and the digestive system is involved in digestion, believers must understand that church prosphora bread is not food and its absorption is a sacred act.

Is it possible to eat prosphora during menstruation?

There is an opinion that a woman during critical days should avoid everything that is related to the church, including she should stop eating sacred bread. This is explained by the fact that the woman is "unclean" and the holy prosphora will be defiled. This topic is controversial, and different clergy have their own opinions on this matter. St. Athanasius, back in 365, said that a woman cannot be “unclean” during the days of natural renewal of the body, therefore everything is provided for by God. In general, it is impossible to say for sure whether the use of prosphora will be considered a sin.

Is it possible to eat prosphora on Good Friday?

Good Friday is considered the strictest day of fasting before Easter and, according to church canons, it is necessary to refuse to eat any food and drinks on this day. The exception is prosphora and holy water. It is quite possible to hold out on bread and water for a day, but do not forget that these foods should not be eaten to saturate, but to receive a blessing. As for when they eat prosphora on Good Friday, it is better to do it in the morning, and then, if possible, refrain from taking it.

What to do with dried prosphora?

Many do not know how to properly treat sacred bread brought from the church or made with their own hands. Like any other baking, prosphora becomes dry after some time and many do not know what to do with them. It's simple: you need to soak the bread in holy water and eat it. It is important to know what to do with the prosphora brought from the church, so it must be kept in a holy corner next to the icons and with holy water. For long-term storage, it is recommended to put the bread in a paper bag.

The prosphora is moldy - what to do?

If the sacred bread has deteriorated, then this is considered the result of a careless attitude towards the shrine, and the clergy recommend confessing for this sin. For those who are interested in what to do with moldy prosphora, you should know that it must be treated in the same way as with other shrines that need to be thrown into destruction. There are several options for action:

1. Bury it in a place where people will not walk, that is, where people will not walk.
2. Let it go down the river, but it is important that it does not stick to the shore, so either grind it up or tie it to a stone.
3. You can take the spoiled prosphora to the church, where it will be burned.
4. Priests are allowed to grind bread and give it to birds, but it is forbidden to throw crumbs on the ground, so put them on a plank. It is forbidden to give prosphora to animals.

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Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water. Its meaning and meaning

The Orthodox Church teaches us that God's Grace poured out on people in different ways. Sometimes this happens through material and very real objects, for example, icons or church utensils. Sometimes - through the blessing of the priest. Sometimes believers receive grace-filled energy through prosphora and holy water, namely believers, since only through faith can God's help be sent down. Therefore, prosphora and holy water are inseparable from prayer.

What is prosphora

Those who have been to the church have seen these small round loaves, decorated on top with the image of a cross or other sacred symbolism. They are obtained in a candle shop and taken home for themselves and their loved ones. The eating of such loaves is preceded by a prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water. They came to us from the first centuries of Christianity. Translated from the Greek "prosphora" means "offering". Once upon a time, believers, gathering for a common prayer service, brought bread with them as a donation. The deacons received it and added the names of the donors to special lists. Then special prayers were offered for them. From these depths of history came the prayer before taking the prosphora.

Consecration of water

To sanctify the water, a special ceremony is performed. The priest lowers the cross into the water three times, accompanying his actions with a special prayer. This is not a prayer before taking holy water, but a prayer for its illumination. As a result, water becomes a carrier of Divine energy. With its help, ailments are healed and evil forces are driven away. In dwellings sprinkled with holy water, the spiritual atmosphere improves.

Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water

According to tradition, prosphora and holy water are taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The reason lies not in the physiology of our body, because we are not talking about conventional medicines. The meaning here is purely symbolic: the day begins with a shrine. In addition, once in the stomach, the bearers of holiness should not mix with ordinary food.

However, the most important component of such a morning ritual is a prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water. But it should not be formal, not a mechanical reading of the text, but an appeal to God with sincere faith and love. Without this, all efforts are futile. The Lord sends grace to all people, but only a believer is able to receive it.

Prayer begins with the request of the Almighty for the enlightenment of the mind. This is understandable, because both in worldly life, and even more so in spiritual life, clarity and sobriety of thought are necessary. A person with a sleeping mind is equally far from both material and spiritual values.

Further, the prayer for the acceptance of prosphora and holy water includes a very important point, this is a prayer for the sending down of spiritual and physical forces. In religious terms, there is no contradiction between them - both for ordinary earthly life and for serving the Lord, both will be required.

Following the request for strength for the soul and body, health is requested for them. Here, health should be understood not only as the absence of ailments, but also as deliverance from sins, because according to the teachings of the church, diseases are sent to us for sins. The Lord keeps us from them, but, mired in sins, we ourselves turn away from His help.

The prayer ends with a request to remove from us destructive passions, as well as bodily and spiritual infirmities. In sending down the requested, hope is expressed in the prayers of the Most Pure Virgin Mary and all the saints.

Prayer for happiness

The prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water is small in terms of text, but unusually deep in content. Reason, spiritual and physical strength, health and freedom from pernicious passions and infirmities - this is what is necessary for human happiness. They ask the Lord for the bestowal of all this, reading a prayer.

Today, prosphora is prepared in small bakeries established at temples. They are called so - prosphora. The rules for their baking and the composition of the incoming components are very strictly established. This is a responsible matter, and therefore entrust it only to pious people. Prosphora is also needed at the liturgy for the preparation of holy firewood, which are then used during the sacrament of Communion.

Prosphora or prosvira ( with other Greek "offering") - liturgical liturgical bread used in Orthodoxy for the sacrament of the Eucharist and for commemoration during the Proskomedia of the living and the dead. Prosphora originates in deep antiquity.
It was typified by the showbread (unleavened) in the tabernacle of Moses. The bread of the offering consisted of two parts, which symbolized the bread of the earth and heaven, that is, two principles, Divine and human. The commandment to offer bread as a sacrifice has come down to us - from the Old Testament times: "Let him bring leavened bread as his offering, with a thankful peace sacrifice" (Lev. 7:13).
Prosphora - this is that leavened, that is, yeast, bread. The prosphora is made round as a sign of the eternity of Christ and humanity in Christ, in general, as a sign that man was created for eternal life.

The history of the emergence of prosphora.

In the first centuries of Christianity, believers themselves brought with them bread, wine, oil (olive oil), wax for candles - everything that was needed for worship. This offering (prosphora), or donation, was received by the deacons; the names of those who brought them were entered into a special list, which was proclaimed with prayer during the consecration of the gifts. Relatives and friends of the dead made offerings on their behalf, and the names of the dead were also remembered in prayer. From these voluntary offerings (prosphora), part of the bread and wine was separated for change into the Body and Blood of Christ, candles were made from wax, and other gifts, over which prayers were also said, were distributed to believers. Subsequently, only the bread used to celebrate the liturgy began to be called prosphora. Over time, instead of ordinary bread, they began to specially bake prosphora in the church, accepting money as a donation in addition to ordinary offerings.

Liturgical prosphora.	Greek form (seal) for baking prosphora.	Chinese seal for baking prosphora. Hong Kong, parish of St. Peter and Paul.

Agapa.

Agapa ( from Greek love or friendship) - an evening, joint meal (“supper of love”, “supper of the Lord”) of Christians (1-5 centuries AD), at which they prayed, ate food, remembered Jesus Christ, celebrated the Eucharist. In imitation of the Last Supper, they gathered for agapa in the evening. After the sacraments, the agapa then passed into the usual supper, that is, supper. Agapa reproduced the Last Supper and symbolized the social equality of all members of the community and their unity in Christ. During the agapa ("love supper") everyone gave each other the kiss of peace.
Thanksgiving and prayers over the gifts were an integral part of the sacred ceremony during which the Sacrament of Communion was performed. The very Body and Blood of Christ received the name - thanksgiving ( in Greek - Eucharist).
Later, Third Council of Carthage in 391 decreed that the faithful prepare for the Eucharist by fasting, and therefore separated the Eucharist from the agapa. The Councils of Laodicea and Trulles (392) forbade the performance of agapa in the temple and thereby completely deprived them of their ecclesiastical-religious character. When the agapa, “the supper of love”, was separated from the Liturgy, only the bread used to celebrate the Eucharist began to be called prosphora.

Prosphora preparation.

Prosphora in the Russian Orthodox Church, following the example of the first Christians, are prepared from leavened (using various starter cultures (hops, raisins, yeast) dough, consisting of wheat flour, water and salt. Images of the cross are placed on the top of the prosphora (using carved seals) with inscriptions above the crossbar IC and XC ( Jesus Christ), under the crossbar NI KA ( victory in Greek) - Jesus Christ wins. The image of the Virgin or some saint can also be placed. Prosphora are made in two parts (from two halves) to commemorate the two natures of Jesus Christ - divine and human.
The lower part of the prosphora corresponds to the earthly (carnal) composition of man and humanity; the upper part with a seal corresponds to the spiritual principle in man and humanity, in which the image of God is imprinted and the Spirit of God is mysteriously present. In the manufacture of prosphora, holy water is added, which marks the grace of God. Yeast signifies the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, giving life to every creature. Flour and water in prosphora denote human flesh, while yeast and holy water denote the soul.

Liturgical use of prosphora.

After the reform of Patriarch Nikon (1650s - 1660s), the Russian Orthodox Church began to use five prosphora for Proskomidia in remembrance of the gospel miracle of feeding five thousand people with five loaves of Christ (John 6:1-15). For Proskomidia, prosphora is not completely used - particles are removed from it with a copy. One of the prosphora is used to prepare the Lamb, which the faithful partake of at the Liturgy. From the remaining four prosphora, the priest removes particles in memory of the Mother of God, saints, including the compilers of the Liturgy, as well as in memory of living and dead members of the Church.
For the Divine Service, in fact, one prosphora is needed - the one from which the part for the Lamb is taken out, but according to the custom of antiquity, when five prosphora were used, this amount is the smallest for performing the proskomedia. Prosphora can be more than a dozen, and in large churches and hundreds. Prosphora can be as much as the notes “On health” and “On repose” are submitted.
You can not use completely stale or moldy prosphora. For the Lamb, it is more convenient to take slightly hardened prosphora (baked the day before) than freshly baked, since it is easier to cut the holy Lamb from the first one and, after consecration, it is more convenient to crush it into particles for the communion of the laity.
Prosphora can be obtained behind a candle box after the liturgy by submitting a note “On health” or “On repose” before the start of the service. The names indicated in the notes are read at the altar, and for each name a particle is taken out of the prosphora, why this prosphora is also called “taken out”.
Together with prosphora, red grape wine is used to perform the Sacrament, namely red, as an image of blood.

Antidor.

At the end of the liturgy, the worshipers are given an antidor - small particles of prosphora, from which the Holy Lamb was taken out at the proskomedia. Antidore is received reverently, with palms folded crosswise, right to left, and eaten in the temple, on an empty stomach, because this is holy bread, bread from the altar of God, part of the offerings to the altar of Christ, from which he receives heavenly sanctification.
In the Eastern Church, the mention of antidoran first appears no earlier than the 11th century. The oldest evidence can be considered " Explanations for the Liturgy» Herman of Constantinople according to the list of the 11th century. The following is the testimony of Balsamon(XII century) in the 15th answer to the Patriarch Mark of Alexandria. According to the Nomocanon, if the particles of prosphora from which the Holy Lamb is taken out are insufficient for the antidoron, prosphora in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos can be used to prepare it.
According to the instructions of the Pilots, the antidor is not taught to the infidels and those under penance.

Artos ( Greek - leavened bread) means consecrated bread common to all members of the Church, otherwise - whole prosphora. Artos throughout bright week occupies the most prominent place in the temple, along with the image of the Resurrection of the Lord, and at the conclusion of the Easter celebrations is distributed to believers. The use of artos dates back to the beginning of Christianity. On the fortieth day after the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. The disciples and followers of Christ gathered for a common prayer, in memory of the Last Supper they partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. At the meal, they left the first place at the table to the invisibly present Jesus Christ, putting bread on this place. Imitating the apostles, the first pastors of the Church established on the feast of the Resurrection of Christ to put bread in the temple as a visible expression of the fact that the Savior who suffered for us has become for us the true bread of life.
The artos depicts a cross, on which only the crown of thorns is visible, but there is no Crucified One - as a sign of Christ's victory over death and the Resurrection of Christ.
The artos is consecrated by a special prayer, sprinkling with holy water, and censing on the first day of Holy Pascha at the Liturgy after the ambo prayer. They put the artos on the prepared table, on the sole, against the royal gates. If several artos are prepared, then all of them are consecrated at the same time. After censing around the table with the artos set, the priest reads a special prayer. After reading the prayer, the priest sprinkles the artos with holy water three times, saying: This artos is blessed and sanctified by sprinkling this sacred water, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen».
The lectern with the consecrated artos is set on the sole before the image of the Savior, where the artos is located all the days of Bright Week. On all these days, at the end of the liturgy with the artos, the procession around the temple. On Saturday of Bright Week, at the end of the Liturgy, the priest says a prayer for the fragmentation of the artos. Artos is broken up and at the end of the Liturgy, when the Cross is kissed, it is distributed to the people as a shrine.
The prosphora and artos received in the temple are reverently kept by believers in the holy corner near the icons, as a spiritual cure for illnesses and infirmities. Artos is used in these special cases always with the words " Christ is Risen!».
Spoiled prosphora and arthos should be burned by yourself (or taken to the church for this) or put into the river with clean water.
The arthos genus of the lower degree of consecration represents Easter cake - ecclesiastical food.

Eucharistic Lamb.

Eucharistic Lamb- this is a quadrangular particle cut during proskomidia from the first prosphora. The Eucharistic Lamb at the end of the Eucharistic Canon is transubstantiated into the Body of Christ.
The absence of ancient evidence about the Eucharistic Lamb and its preparation is due to the fact that the proskomedia, on which it is prepared, is a relatively late phenomenon. For a long time it consisted in a simple choice of the best bread and wine brought by the people. The selected bread was consecrated as a whole, untouched, in which it was brought and broken into pieces only immediately before communion.
The first mention of the Eucharistic Lamb belongs to the Patriarch of Constantinople Herman (he died in 740). The following of sacred rites developed in the 10th - 15th centuries.

The use of other prosphora during proskomedia.

From the remaining four or more prosphora, particles are removed that mark the composition of the Heavenly and earthly Church. The priest takes the second prosphora and, remembering Holy Mother of God, takes out a particle from the prosphora, which he puts on the Diskos on the right side of the Lamb (away from himself on the left), near its middle. This prosphora is called " Theotokos".
A particle is removed from the third prosphora in memory of the Old Testament and New Testament saints, a particle is removed from the fourth for the living members of the Church, and from the fifth - for the departed. Further, particles are removed from the prosphora served by believers for health and repose with the commemoration of names. The particles taken out of the prosphora at the end of the Liturgy are immersed in the Holy Chalice, when the priest pronounces the words: “ Wash away, O Lord, the sins of those who are remembered here by Thy precious Blood, by the prayers of Thy saints».

The spear, with which particles are cut out of prosphora, is an instrument of Divine Providence.

A copy is used to carve the Lamb from the first prosphora, and particles from other prosphora. A spear is a flat iron knife in the form of a spearhead, sharpened on both sides and inserted into a wooden or bone handle. The spear is an image of the spear with which the Roman soldier pierced Christ in the ribs, wanting to make sure of His death on the Cross. On the proskomedia, the Lamb is slightly pierced by a spear on the right side with the words: “ One from the warrior with a copy of His ribs perforated". A sharp spear is a symbol of the cruelty of this world. On the other hand, a spear means an instrument of God's Providence, which singles out His chosen ones from among mankind. The spear is like the sword about which Jesus Christ said in His sermon that He brought not the world, but a sword to earth, a sword that spiritually cuts humanity into those who accept and those who do not accept Christ ( Matt. 10, 34-38; OK. 12.5 1-53).
The spiritual meaning of a copy is similar to the Cross of Christ, which was previously an instrument of shameful execution, but in Christ became an instrument of salvation and the glory of God. The spear, being the instrument of death, becomes in Christ the instrument of the salvation of the faithful for eternal life in the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. This gives the consecrated church copy a grace-filled power that has a healing effect. The Treasury contains a brief " Following on the passion of disease ... with a holy copy", which the priest creates over a sick person, overshadowing him with a cruciform copy.

Transubstantiation of the Holy Gifts.

transubstantiation- this is a way for the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ to stay in the bread and wine of the Holy Eucharist. Transubstantiation is a miracle of God's omnipotence, similar to God's creation of the world out of nothing. The very essence of bread and the very essence of wine are transformed into the essence of the true Body and Blood of Christ by the action of the Holy Spirit, whom the priest calls at this time to perform the Sacrament, through prayer and the words: Send down Thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon this present Gift, and make this bread the precious Body of Thy Christ; and hedgehog in this Chalice, the precious Blood of Thy Christ, having changed by Thy Holy Spirit". After these words, transubstantiation immediately takes place: only the types of bread and wine that appear to the eye remain. The Lord wanted us not to see with our bodily eyes the Body and Blood of Christ, but with the spirit we believed that it was They, on the basis of the words spoken by Christ to his disciples at the Last Supper: " This is my body and this is my blood"We must believe more. Divine word, His power, and not our feelings, which is the bliss of faith.

Communion of the Holy Gifts.

Priests partake first of the Body and then of the Blood of Christ. After that, the Chalice with the Holy Gifts is brought to the laity for communion. Those wishing to take communion go one by one. The communicant kisses the Chalice and departs.
St. John Chrysostom gave the order for all churches to give communion to the laity by means of a spoon (liar), with which the particles of the Body of Christ are removed from the Chalice, previously immersed in His Blood and soaked in It. At the same time, it was customary to immediately drink Communion with warm water and wine for clear evidence that every layman really took communion of the Holy Mysteries.
At the command of St. John Chrysostom, the whole order of communion was established. On the right in the altar, as in the Zion chamber, the clergy, who in this case depict the closest disciples to Christ, the Apostles, partake of the Holy Mysteries separately, as they were taught by Christ at the Last Supper. Then, through the opened Royal Doors, the Chalice, in which the particles of the Body of Christ are already stained with His Blood, is solemnly brought to the laity, which marks the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The laity partake of the Body and Blood united together. In addition, the communion of the laity through a liar spiritually means that those who believe in Christ are united with God through the Church, which feeds them with spiritual food. Therefore, a liar means the mediation of the Church in the spiritual nourishment of people in the broadest sense.

An investment in the Chalice of particles taken from the prosphora.

Chalice ( from other Greek. "chalice, goblet") - a metal vessel for Orthodox worship. A chalice used to consecrate wine and take communion. The chalice has the shape of a bowl with a long stem and a round base. The chalice is made of valuable materials (gold, silver), bronze, finishing stones.
The first bowls were made of wood; glass chalices appeared around the 3rd century. Since the 4th century, gold and silver chalices have become widespread.
After the communion of the laity is completed, the clergyman puts into the Chalice those particles that were seized about the Most Holy Theotokos, about the saints, about the living and the dead. Particles taken out About health and peace”, are put into the Chalice and, thus, come into contact with the Body and Blood of Christ the Savior. This is the power and effectiveness of removing particles from prosphora. There is a cleansing of sins by a bloodless Sacrifice. Each particle, imbued with the Blood of the Savior, becomes an intercessor before the Savior for the one about whose name it is taken out. That's why Orthodox Church believes that removing from the prosphora a particle about the living or the dead at the Liturgy is the most saving and fruitful action.

About eating prosphora, antidore and arthos.

The prosphora, given at the end of the Liturgy, is eaten by the faithful before taking any food and is a shrine. Antidore is eaten in the temple, on an empty stomach and with reverence, since this is holy bread, the altar of God, an offering to the altar of Christ, from which Antidore receives heavenly sanctification. Artos received in the temple is kept by the laity as a spiritual cure for illnesses and infirmities and is used in case of illness with the words “ Christ is Risen!».
Prosphora and artos are kept in the holy corner near the icons. Spoiled prosphora into artos should be burned by yourself (or taken to the church for this) or put into the river with clean water.

Prayer for the adoption of prosphora and holy water.

"Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities through Your boundless mercy through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all the Saints yours. Amen".