Theprothesis is the place in thesanctuary in which theLiturgy of Preparation takes place in theEastern Orthodox andGreek Catholic Churches. Prothesis anddiaconicon are collectively referred to aspastophoria.
The prothesis is located behind theiconostasis and consists of a small table, also known as theTable of Oblation, on which the bread and wine are prepared for theDivine Liturgy. The table will often bear the items being used for the preparation: the chalice, cutting implements, cloths and other items. It is most often placed on the north side of the altar, or in a separate chamber (itself referred to as the prothesis) on the north side of the centralapse.[1][2]
During the reign of the EmperorJustin II (565–574), it came to occupy its own separate chamber to the north of the sanctuary, having a separate apse, and joined to the altar by an arched opening. Another apsed chamber was added on the south side for the diaconicon. So that from this time forward, large Orthodox Churches were triapsidal (having three apses on the eastern side).[3] Smaller churches still have only one chamber containing the altar, the prothesis and the diaconicon.
In theSyriac Churches, the ritual is different, as both prothesis and diaconicon are generally rectangular, and the former constitutes a chamber for the deposit of offerings by the faithful. Consequently, it is sometimes placed on the south side, if by doing so it is more accessible to the laity.[3]
In theCoptic Orthodox Church, the men will enter the prothesis to receiveHoly Communion (the women receive in front of theholy doors), and must remove their shoes before entering.[citation needed]
One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Prothesis".Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 22 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 475–476.| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
