Prosphora is a holy bread used for special church rituals. It consists of two parts, which are made separately from each other from yeast dough and later joined together.
Instructions
Step 1
The prosphora symbolizes human nature, consisting of a million natural elements, and many people in the world in general. The lower part of the prosphora denotes the carnal (earthly) part of a person, and the upper part (with the seal of the cross and the word "victory" in Greek) is his spiritual principle.
Step 2
When making prosphora, yeast is kneaded in holy water. Holy water means God's grace, and yeast is the great power of the holy spirit, which gives life to everything that exists on earth.
Step 3
For church services, only fresh prosphora are used, since prayer over stale bread is equated with sin. The round shape of the prosphora speaks of the eternity of the Savior of all people, Jesus Christ, and reminds a person of his eternal life. Traditionally, prosphora should be baked by those who did not marry or entered into it only once.
Step 4
In the church, prosphora can be obtained behind a candle box at the end of the liturgy, after submitting a note "On health" or "On repose." The names mentioned in the notes will be read and a particle will be taken out for each of the prosphora.
Step 5
At the very end of the liturgy, all those praying will be given small parts of the prosphora - antidora, which must be received with reverence, folding your palms in a cross and placing your right hand on your left. In this case, you need to kiss the hand of the priest who brought this gift. Eat Antidor on an empty stomach, in the same church and with special reverence.
Step 6
Having brought the prosphora home, prepare a clean tablecloth, put the prosphora itself and holy water on it. Before the meal, read a prayer with words of gratitude to God for his mercy. Eat the prosphora over a plate or a clean sheet of white paper so that not a single holy crumb falls on the table or even on the floor. Prosphora is the holy heavenly bread, which must be accepted with fear and humility. It is forbidden to cut the prosphora with an ordinary kitchen knife. For these purposes, it is advisable to start a special knife, which should be kept clean, separate from other dishes.
Step 7
Artos - the Easter prosphora - should be kept as a shrine in the red corner next to the icons and consumed in difficult times or in sickness in a tiny piece, so that this holy leavened bread will last until the next holiday of Great Easter.
