On the left-hand side of the Sanctuary is placed the chapel of the Prothésis
or “offering.” That is where the offerings of Christians for the divine service
are received. This chapel sometimes forms a separate compartment, divided from
the sanctuary by a wall with a door, or only by columns or a curtain. In most
churches, however, it is connected with the Sanctuary. In this space there
always is a table whereon are deposited the offerings. It is called the Table
of Oblations and is vested with rich coverings, like the altar; the wall around
it is decorated with icons. On this table are also placed the sacred vessels
used in the preparation of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. They are the
following.
The Paten or Diskos
(which means a round dish) on which are laid the portions of bread cut out in
memory of Christ, the Mother of God and the Saints; also for the good of the
living and the dead. For greater convenience the paten is now made with a
pedestal. To it belong two small dishes or plates. On one of these plates is
laid the bread, out of which a portion has been taken in memory of Christ; the
top of it is stamped in the middle with a Cross, while around the rim runs the
inscription: “Before Thy Cross we bow down, O Master.” On the other plate is
laid the bread from which a portion has been taken out in honor of the Mother
of God; it is stamped with an effigy of her and the inscription around the rim
reads as follows: “It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos.”
The Asterisk,
consisting of two arched bands, held by a screw in such a way, that they may be
put together, or turned around into the shape of a Cross. It is placed over the
paten, to prevent the portions of bread, which are laid on it in a certain
order from getting mixed up.
The Spear. — A
spear-shaped knife, double-edged, used to take portions out of the bread.
The Chalice or Poterion (“a drinking cup”), into which is
poured wine mixed with water during the preparation of the Sacrament. To it belongs a small dipper, in which wine and water is
presented.
The Spoon, with which the Holy Sacrament — the Body and Blood of
Christ — is administered to communicants.
The Sponge, which is used for cleaning the holy
vessels after the Liturgy. In our church two
sponges are used. With one the paten is wiped, after the portions of bread have
been dropped into the chalice; this sponge is kept on the altar in the Antimins
and called “Antimins sponge.” The other, which is used to wipe the
chalice after it has been washed, is kept on the Table of Oblations, and is
called the “cleansing sponge.”
The Veils — one of which covers the paten, another the chalice, and
a third both paten and chalice together — are used to protect the Holy Gifts
against dust and insects. These veils are also called Aërs, because
they cover the holy vessels even as air covers the earth; the largest veil is
especially known under this name.
The Fans are used for driving insects from the Holy Gifts, when the
veils are removed. In ancient times they used to be made of peacocks’ feathers,
linen or fine leather. At the present time they are made of metal, in the form
of a circle, somewhat like the glory around a saint’s head, and with a long
handle; in the middle of the circle a Cherub is represented. These fans are
used mainly at pontifical services, and are to remind us that Cherubim worship
God with us before His altar.