{{stubliturgy}}The '''Proskomedia''' (from the Greek προσκομιδή, “offering”), sometimes referred to as ''prothesis'' (from the Greek πρόϑεσις, "setting forth") or ''proskomide'', is the '''Office of Oblation''' celebrated by the [[priest]] prior to the [[Divine Liturgy]] during which the bread and wine are prepared for the [[Eucharist]]. The Proskomedia is a prerequisite for the Divine Liturgy. The priest conducts the Office of Oblation behind the [[Iconostasis]] at the '''[[Table of oblation]]''' or '''Table of Preparation''' (also '''Prothesis''', or sometimes Proskomide) that is located to the left of the [[Altar]] Table. Proskomedia, when translated to English, means "preparation."

'''Proskomedia''' [[Image:Proscomidiar.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Proscomidiar]]The Prothesis (or ''prothesis''Table of Oblation) is represents the cave of Bethlehem where our Lord and Savior was born. Originally, the Prothesis was located in the same room as the altar table, being simply a smaller table placed against the eastern wall to the north of the altar table. During the divine service celebrated by reign of the Emperor [[priestJustin II]] , the Prothesis came to occupy its own separate chamber to the north of the altar, in a separate apse, and joined to the altar by a door way. Another apse was added on the south side for the [[deaconDiaconicon]] prior . From this time on many large Orthodox churches were built with three apses on the eastern end of the church building. However, most smaller churches continued to be built having only one apse containing the altar, the Prothesis and the Diaconicon. [[Divine LiturgyImage:Discos Chalice.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The Chalice with the Diskos and Star]] during which the The bread and wine are prepared for the liturgy on the Prothesis. The [[Holy Communionchalice]]and a round plate on a stand called the diskos or paten that holds the bread are kept on this table. These vessels are normally decorated with iconographic engravings, Christian symbols, and the sign of the cross. This service The top of each loaf is celebrated at impressed with a seal bearing the sign of the cross.  The Greeks usually use one large loaf for the Liturgy of Preparation, with a large round seal on it inscribed not only with the square seal (from which the Lamb will be taken), but also markings indicating where the portions for the Theotokos, the Ranks, the Living and Dead will be removed. Those churches which follow Slavic usage will typically use five small loaves, recalling the five loaves from which Christ fed the multitude (John 6:5-14). Normally all will be stamped with a small square seal, though special seals for the Theotokos are sometimes used. Also on this table is a special liturgical knife, symbolically called the [[spear]], that is used for cutting the eucharistic bread ([[prosphora]]) and a liturgical [[Table spoon]] for administering holy communion to the people. There are also special covers for the chalice and diskos and a cruciform piece of Oblationmetal called the [[asterisk]] (or star that holds the cover over the eucharistic bread on the diskos. A sponge and cloths for drying the chalice after the liturgy are also known as usually kept here. The Prothesis is decorated in a manner similar to that of the ''prothesis altar table''). ProskomediaAbove the Prothesis may be found various [[icon]]s, when translated to English, means preparationoften one of Christ praying in Gethsemene: "Let this cup pass..."

*[http://www.goarch.org/print/en/ourfaith/article9561.asp GOARCH: Oblation Table]*[http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=46 OCA: Table of Oblation]*[http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=91 OCA: Prothesis] ==External links==*[http://www.stseraphimschurch.org/articles/proskomedia-e.html The Proskomedia Explained]*[http://www.ortodoksi.net/tietopankki/sakramentit/proskomidi.htm Proskomedia (Video)] (fi)*[http://www.saintjonah.org/services/proskomede.doc Proskomedia (Text)]*[[w:Prothesis_%28altar%29]] Wikipedia: Prothesis (altar)