The spoon (Gr. λαβίδα) is used in the transmission of both elements of Eucharist to the faithful. In early liturgical practice it was used only when administering of Eucharist to the sick and infants. With the developments in Orthodox liturgics, and with the need for priests to serve the Divine Liturgy without the assistance of a deacon, its use became commomplace. Originally the priest would place the Body of Christ in the palm of the receiver and the deacon would offer the chalice, much like the way clergy partake of the sacrament even today.
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