Many people, attending church services, noticed that small breads called prosphora were handed out. They are considered a real shrine, which must be honored and protected so that it does not deteriorate. There are known rules regarding the use of such church treats.

What is prosphora and why do they eat it?

A small round loaf of bread made from leavened wheat dough is called prosphora. There are several facts about this church treat:

1. This word is translated from Greek as “offerings.”
2. No additives are added to such baked goods, with the exception of yeast and salt.
3. When figuring out what prosphora is in the Orthodox Church, it should be pointed out that this pastry consists of two parts, which symbolizes the union of human and divine essence in Jesus Christ.
4. On the top there is a seal in the form of a cross with equal sides and in the corners are the letters: IC XC NI KA. The inscription presented means “Jesus Christ conquers.” The seal itself personifies the invisible seal of the image of the Lord.
5. If you are interested in what the prosphora symbolizes, then it is worth knowing that it represents the bread that Jesus divided among his disciples.

What types of prosphora are there?

There are five main types of sacred bread for the liturgy:

1. Agnichnaya. This is a large prosphora with a cross, from which a lamb is cut out with a special knife - cube-shaped bread. During the liturgy, he becomes the true body of Christ. The part of the prosphora that is not used is called antidor, and it is distributed to believers after the service.
2. Mother of God. On this large prosphora there is a seal “Mary” or an image Mother of God. During proskomedia, a triangular-shaped part is taken out from the top and placed on a special dish along with the lamb.
3. Nine-day. This view is dedicated to all the saints and nine particles are taken from her seal.
4. Zazdravnaya. Two parts are taken from this bread for all participants in the liturgy.
5. Funeral. For all the deceased believers, only one particle is taken from the upper part of the prosphora.

There are special types of prosphora, which include artos - bread blessed on Easter night. The priest asks the Lord for blessings and help in healing illnesses. Artos throughout Holy Week is located opposite the Royal Doors, and on Saturday it is divided into small pieces and distributed to believers. This prosphora symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and recalls his presence on earth.

Prosphora - recipe

Sacred bread can be prepared at home using an old recipe. It is important to know how prosphora is baked, as there are several features that should be taken into account.

Ingredients:

• finely ground premium flour – 1.2 kg;
• Holy water;
• yeast – 25 g.

Preparation:

1. Pour some holy water into the container, and then pour in about 400 g of flour. Add boiling water and stir until you get a mass like semolina porridge.
2. When everything has cooled down, add a little salt and yeast. Stir and leave to rise. Then add the remaining flour and mix well.
3. Leave for another 30 minutes, and then transfer the dough to the table and roll out the layer. The bottom layer needs a thickness of 18-20 mm, and the top layer 11-12 mm. Cover with oilcloth and leave for another 10 minutes.
4. It is necessary to cut the layer into circles, taking into account that the lower part should be larger than the upper. Cover the lower halves with a towel and oilcloth and leave for half an hour. It is important not to let the dough dry out.
5. If you are interested in how to bake prosphora at home, then it is important to know that the baking sheet must be greased with a thin layer of natural wax, which is a component of solar energy. Place a stamp of the appropriate size on the top.
6. Lubricate the bottom and connect it to the top. Prick both halves with a needle to remove excess air, which will prevent voids from forming.
7. The oven should be heated to 200-250 degrees. Bake until done, which is 15-20 minutes.
8. The finished bread should be covered with several layers: a dry cloth, a wet one, then a dry one again and a blanket. Leave the prosphora in this state for an hour.

Prosphora - how to use?

There are several rules regarding how to properly eat sacred bread. This should be done in the morning on an empty stomach and to begin with, it is recommended to spread a clean napkin on the table and place bread and water on it. When figuring out how to eat prosphora at home, it is worth mentioning that before eating it, a prayer intended for this occasion must be said. They eat bread over a plate so that crumbs do not fall on the floor. It is important to note that prosphora should not be used in cemeteries and crumble on graves.

How to cut prosphora correctly?

In temples, a special knife designed for this purpose is used to cut the sacred bread. It is called a spear and is a flat knife shaped like the tip of a spear. It cannot be stored with other cutlery. Many people are interested in whether it is possible to cut prosphora with a knife, but most clergy argue that ordinary kitchen utensils should not be used.

Prayer for accepting prosphora and holy water

It is believed that when a believer reads a prayer before eating prosphora and drinking holy water, this leads to the sanctification of the body and spirit, the illumination of thoughts, and this will also protect him from evil spirits. Parts of the prosphora are taken out at the end of the liturgy and believers must fold their palms into a cross, with the right hand covering the left. After handing over the prosphora, you must kiss the hand of the clergyman. Having brought the sacred bread home, place it on a clean napkin and before eating it, be sure to read a prayer before accepting the prosphora and holy water.

When can you eat prosphora?

You can eat sacred bread every day, with the exception of a number of restrictions, which will be discussed below. If you are interested in how to eat prosphora correctly, then it is worth knowing that sacred bread is usually consumed on an empty stomach with a sense of humility. The clergy say that it is beneficial for all believers to start their day with prosphora, which should be washed down with holy water.

Is it possible to eat prosphora without an empty stomach?

The rule regarding the use of sacred bread and water on an empty stomach arose for a reason, since they are designed to instill reverence in a person and separate eating from eating. Although the holy gifts are received through the mouth, they still participate in digestion. digestive system, believers must understand that church prosphora bread is not food and its consumption is a sacred act.

Is it possible to eat prosphora during menstruation?

There is an opinion that during menstrual periods a woman should avoid everything that has to do with the church, including she should refuse to eat sacred bread. This is explained by the fact that the woman is “unclean” and the holy prosphora will be desecrated. This topic is controversial, and different clergy have their own opinions on this matter. Saint Athanasius, back in 365, said that a woman during the days of natural renewal of the body cannot be “unclean,” therefore everything is provided for by God. In general, it is impossible to say for sure whether eating prosphora will be considered a sin.

Is it possible to eat prosphora on Good Friday?

It is considered the strictest day of fasting before Easter and, according to church canons, on this day it is necessary to refrain from consuming any food or drinks. The exception is prosphora and holy water. It is quite possible to last a day on bread and water, but do not forget that these foods should not be eaten to be full, but to receive blessings. As for when to eat prosphora in Good Friday, then it is better to do this in the morning, and then, if possible, refrain from taking it.

What to do with dried prosphora?

Many people do not know how to properly treat sacred bread brought from church or made with their own hands. Like any other baked product, prosphora becomes dry after some time and many people don’t know what to do with it. It's simple: you need to soak the bread in holy water and eat it. It is important to know what to do with the prosphora brought from the church, so it must be stored in a holy corner next to the icons and holy water. For long-term storage, it is recommended to place the bread in a paper bag.

The prosphora has become moldy - what to do?

If the sacred bread has spoiled, then this is considered the result of a careless attitude towards the shrine and the clergy recommend confessing for this sin. For those who are interested in what to do with moldy prosphora, you should know that it must be dealt with in the same way as with other shrines that need to be destroyed. There are several options:

1. Bury in an untrampled place, that is, where people will not walk.
2. Let it float along the river, but it is important that it does not stick to the shore, so either chop it up or tie it to a stone.
3. You can take the damaged prosphora to the church, where it will be burned.
4. The clergy allow you to crush the bread and give it to the birds, but it is forbidden to throw crumbs on the ground, so put them on a board. It is prohibited to give prosphora to animals.

Prosphora is a small round bread that consists of two parts. One is a symbol of nature, and the second is a symbol of man. This bread is baked with yeast or live kvass. Always use fresh and clean wheat flour. Water and a little salt are added to the dough. There is a seal stamped on the top of the prosphora. Most often this is an image of the letters “IS.” and "HS." - Jesus Christ.

What is this?

Prosphora take part in the liturgy. This bread is taken out from the altar and distributed to believers after the service. It happens that the church bakes a large number of prosphora Therefore, they can be seen for sale in a candle shop.

This is not ordinary bread. It belongs to the shrines because it participates in worship. After the liturgy, you can take the prosphora home with you. But it is better to store them in a specially designated place. The most convenient place for this is near the icons.

How to use it correctly?

They must be eaten on an empty stomach and washed down with holy water. Believers often do this together with saying a prayer. In prayer, words are spoken about asking for well-being, the retreat of an illness, a person repents about committing certain sins. This is the best and most unique moment when you can be alone with yourself and talk through prayer with the Lord. It's best to do this early morning, if the family is large, then to each family member. When eating, you should be careful about crumbs that may fall. This cannot be allowed. The prosphora must be completely eaten, without specks or crumbs.

How to store?

Happens unpleasant moment when the prosphora became moldy. What to do? Every second person asks this question. Because not everyone knows what to do in this situation. It is necessary to immerse such prosphora in running water.

Why does it get moldy?

Why the prosphora became moldy will remain a mystery to any person. After all, this is a sacred product that simply cannot be spoiled. But, unfortunately, this can happen. According to the experience of many people, there is various methods to store this product. The prosphora must be cut into small pieces and placed in a linen bag. They will dry out and turn into crackers. In this form they can be eaten gradually. If you put them in plastic bag, then you cannot close them and leave them without air. And in a dried state, such pieces can be stored for at least several years. If the prosphora is moldy, what does it mean? Mold may appear on sacred bread due to the fact that there is some moisture inside it, and this is the best environment for bacteria to accumulate.

Pieces of Lamb

Many people who believe in God go to church and pray. These are sacred rituals, using the right meal, keeping a fast. Small pieces of Lamb are cut out from a piece of prosphora. They are served in any churches during or after services. The meaning of the prosphora is similar to the antidora. Antidora means "communion." So prosphora is used for remission of sins and cleansing of the soul. People cannot take communion every day, but every person can afford to eat a piece of prosphora. This is the symbol of communion.

It is necessary to take the prosphora with your hands crossed crosswise. Then kiss the hand of the priest who gave the prosphora.

What to do with moldy sacred bread?

Many people ask this question. What to do with moldy prosphora? There are several methods that help. It can be floated down a river or thrown into a lake, but only so that it does not wash ashore. After crumbling into small crumbs, the prosphora can be given to the birds. In this case, it is important that it is not placed on the ground. In this case, you need to use a board. Prosphora can be buried in the ground. But only in a place where people don’t go. There are rules and customs that should not be done. It is not allowed to take moldy prosphora to church, as it will be burned there, and this can harm human health. You cannot feed animals with this bread.

Believers begin to become very worried if they suddenly notice that the prosphora has become moldy. This omen is not bad and does not carry negative emotions and events. On any holy holiday, this small piece of bread is distributed in the church. It is considered an offering. Since it consists of two parts, you definitely need to eat them.

The prosphora recipe does not include anything special. It is prepared only with holy water, yeast, and the addition of salt. The famous seal is placed on top, on which the inscription “Jesus Christ” is depicted. These two parts symbolize his essence, namely the divine and human essence.

Many people are interested in: “What to do with moldy prosphora?” Of course, you don't need to eat it. Therefore, in the near future you just need to remove it from the house. This is not a sin and does not bring sad events with it. It’s just important to understand that it is baked for consumption, and many people do not eat it right away.

What to do if the prosphora becomes moldy? Answer from priest Anthony Skrynnikov

A prosphora was given in the church, they simply put it in a bag and tied it, and then simply forgot about it. What to do next? This situation describes a careless attitude towards the shrine. After all, prosphora is distributed to people to cleanse the soul. A person cannot take communion every day, but he can eat the sacred prosphora. She cleanses the soul and conducts confession of sins. When the prosphora becomes moldy, it can be dipped in the river. It can also be buried in the ground, but away from places where people walk.

It is best to ask temple servants about what to do with moldy prosphora. The priests will definitely give an answer.

Lamb prosphora

You can select Various types sacred prosphora. They are divided by type of holiday. Lamb prosphora is a large bread with a cross on it. A lamb is also carved on it with a large knife. According to the liturgy, this is considered the true body of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, the bread is distributed in small pieces to all believers present. The Mother of God prosphora is also baked for sacred holidays. It depicts the seal “Mary” or the image of the Mother of God. It is cut into triangular shapes and placed next to the lamb.

Nine-day, health and funeral prosphora. What are they needed for?

The Nine Day Prosphora was dedicated to all holy people. After the seal is placed, nine particles are removed from the bread. The health prosphora is baked for the health of the participants in the liturgy. A similar one is a funeral service; it is used by believers for the repose of dead people.

Some types of prosphora listed here cannot mold. Because they are baked in large sizes and cut into small pieces for ease of distribution to everyone participating in the liturgy.

Easter and sacred prosphora

There are several types of prosphora. They are all made like bread, but have different purposes. In addition, they are made for different church holidays. IN Easter night With the help of these prosphoras and liturgy, the priest asks for blessings so that there are no illnesses, and for those who have illnesses, so that they retreat quickly.

This prosphora is baked in advance. Next is at the altar. After the service has been held, the priest divides it into several pieces and distributes it to believers and church servants. This prosphora symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and recalls his presence on earth.

Preparation of prosphora. Peculiarities

We have already found out what to do if the prosphora becomes moldy. The priest's answer is discussed above. Now let's talk about making this bread. Using the following recipe, you can make your own sacred prosphora. This recipe is used directly in churches, cathedrals and temples.

You need to take a container. Pour liquid into it. There must be holy water. Add fresh sifted wheat flour to it. Mix everything well so that the dough is not very tight, but similar to semolina. After this, leave to stand for a while. When the dough has cooled, add dry yeast and a little salt. Then leave for another thirty minutes. Roll out the dough into one layer. It is important to understand that the bottom layer should be slightly thicker than the top layer of the prosphora. Cut the layer into even circles.

The dough should not dry out during the cooking process. If you do it at home, you need to understand that the baking sheet needs to be lubricated with natural wax. The oven must be preheated to two hundred degrees. The prosphora is baked for about fifteen minutes. Afterwards, they must be folded carefully on the table and covered with a warm towel, blanket or gauze in several layers. The prosphora should remain in this state for about an hour. Then they will be soft baked goods that can be handed out to people.

Features of use

It is necessary to use prosphora correctly. The most important thing is that it should be early in the morning, and be sure to eat on an empty stomach. You can only drink it with holy water. Initially, place water and bread on a clean white napkin. Say a prayer and only after that consume everything. You need to eat very carefully so as not to drop a single crumb.

How and with what are prosphora cut? Special knife

In the church, the prosphora is cut with a dedicated knife specially for this purpose. It's called a copy. It is stored separately from cutlery and not in the kitchen at all. Therefore it is better not to use kitchen knife for cutting, since this ordinary object is not suitable for cutting the sacred product. It is best to break into pieces for better storage.

Responsibility

It is strictly forbidden to allow the prosphora to become moldy. If you took it from church, be sure to eat it and not leave it in the closet. What to do in this case has already been described in this article above. Every person must understand the responsibility and believe that this is a sacred product. It should not be given to animals or left in a bag. Most believers understand that prosphora is used together with prayer. A person reads a prayer, takes a piece of this bread and drinks it with sacred water. This leads to insight into thoughts, revival of soul and body. A person experiences relief if he needed to confess or receive communion.

Prosphora must be consumed on an empty stomach. There is an opinion that during the menstrual cycle a woman cannot go to church, stand at services, or eat sacred foods. Because on such days she is considered an unclean person.

Good Friday and prosphora. Peculiarities of consumption of sacred bread during Lent

Good Friday - period strict fasting, which requires increased attention. According to church laws, you cannot consume any drinks or food on this day. You cannot eat bread, eggs and many other foods. The exception in this case is prosphora and holy water. You can only eat bread and drink fresh sacred water. Therefore, prosphora is perfect for eating. You can and should eat it and you shouldn’t refuse it. But it is best to do this once a day, namely early in the morning on Good Friday.

A little conclusion

Now you know when to eat prosphora, what it is and what it is intended for. We told you what to do if this sacred bread becomes moldy. We hope that this information was useful to you.

Hello dear readers. Many people go to church every Sunday to light candles and pray for their loved ones. But not everyone visits the temple of God so often, so many things remain a mystery to them. If you were in church on Easter, you probably tried such a church treat as prosphora. Of course, not everyone has heard of this name, calling it simply “church bread.” But if you do attend church, then you need to know how and when to eat prosphora. Such information will not be superfluous for anyone. But first of all, you need to understand what prosphora is and why it is so important for the church. As you know, it is prepared with wheat flour and holy water, which is what makes these breads so special.

It is with their help that a person can not only cleanse himself of sins, but also draw closer to God.

In order to avoid getting into an uncomfortable situation while in church, you need to become more familiar with such a church treat as prosphora - what it is, what it is for, and when to eat it.

Having received the answer to these questions, you will understand how important this process is for believers, because there are many rules that must be followed in the process of consuming prosphora.

What is prosphora?

The meaning of the word “prosphora” translated from Greek means “offering.” In the first centuries of our era, people brought this bread to church, which is actually why it got its name.

This bread is prepared from the most simple products, which we usually use to make regular bread. That is, wheat flour, yeast, salt and water are used. But the main difference is that prosphora is prepared on the basis of holy water, which gives this bread special properties.

The use of plain flour and holy water is a symbol of the union of humanity and divinity in Jesus. Prosphora is used not only during major church holidays, but also during weekly visits to church.

The bread itself consists of two parts, which are first molded separately, but then joined together. That's why it turns out like this unusual shape. As you may have noticed, a special seal is placed on the top.

The lower part of the prosphora symbolizes the flesh of a person, and the upper part speaks of his spiritual beginning.

That is, such a division of bread into two parts means the division of a person into soul and body, which are components of one whole - a person. Bread combines flour and water, which also makes one bread.

Appearance and types of prosphoras

Few people know that the prosphora also symbolizes the bread that Jesus shared with his disciples at the Last Supper. That is why so much attention is paid to the consumption of this bread.

Outwardly, such a flour product bears little resemblance to bread, since it has a round shape, which makes it look like a cookie. The top of the product is decorated a certain pattern, which was obtained thanks to a special seal.

In the image we can see an equilateral cross, which is surrounded on all sides by church symbols in the form of beeches.

In fact, prosphora differs from ordinary bread in that holy water is used in the process of its preparation. And on its top we can see a stamp with a certain design and inscription, which also make this treat special.

It is believed that such a product cannot spoil or become moldy, because it is sacred. But, of course, it also happens that even such bread becomes moldy or stale. Perhaps it's all due to an incorrect cooking process.

Kinds

Surely, you thought that there was only one prosphora that was used for any occasion. But this is not entirely true, because in total there are five varieties of prosphora, each of which has its own differences not only in purpose, but also in its appearance.

1. Mother of God

This bread is baked in the shape of a triangle, so it is quite easy to distinguish it from other types. At the top we can see the inscription “Holy Mother of God”. The product is laid out on a special dish with which it is served. Usually this type of prosphora is used specifically for church holidays.

2. Agnic

This product is made in the shape of a cube. It is believed that during the chants such bread becomes the body of Jesus Christ. On the bread itself there is also a cross depicted, but in addition to this, a lamb is also carved. That is, initially the bread is baked in the same round shape, but only a cube is cut out of the finished product. The rest of the bread is simply distributed to the parishioners.

3. Nine-day

Nine equal parts are taken from the middle of the loaf of bread, which are dedicated to all the saints. That is, such bread is consumed for the prophets, apostles and saints.

4. Zazdravnaya

Such bread is divided into two equal parts, and after the service it is divided among all those present.

5. Funeral

In this case, only a small part of the top of the bread is used. It is used for all the dead, but this can only be done within the walls of the church. But eating bread, and even worse, crumbling it on the grave of the deceased, is strictly prohibited.

Artos and Antidor

As you already understand, all types of prosphora are baked from the same products and have a common round shape. The only difference may be in the image placed on the top of the product. So, the finished prosphora is divided into several parts, which can be different shapes. It depends on the purpose of a particular prosphora.

Artos, translated from Greek, means “leavened bread.” This is the name given to the whole loaf of bread, which has a cylindrical shape.

The prosphora is placed in front of the altar long before Easter, but it is consecrated only on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is, on Easter. After this, the already consecrated bread is distributed to the believers.

But note that the bread is not eaten on the same day. People take the blessed bread to their home, where it is stored for a certain time. Prosphora is consumed only when a person becomes ill and needs the help of the Lord.

In fact, this bread helps to cope with the illness that has struck a person. That is, ideally, such a flour product can be stored for an unlimited amount of time.

But Antidoron is translated from Greek as “time of communion.” This is the name given to the unused part of the bread, which remains after the inner part of the product is removed. Depending on the purpose of the bread, the shape of the extracted part will change. It can be either triangular or cubic.

This part of the product is distributed to people after the completion of the liturgy. It is believed that this part symbolizes the memory of the suffering of Christ. Please note that only baptized people can eat this part of the bread.

How to store and use prosphora

Such bread is sacred, which means it can only be eaten on special occasions. Prosphora should not be consumed every day, because in this way its direct purpose will be lost.

Usually such bread should be kept at the altar, but if it was distributed to parishioners, then at home it will only be kept near the icons. Otherwise, the bread will begin to deteriorate, which will mean a loss of its properties.

Eating bread also implies following certain rules. Therefore, you should eat the product slowly, chewing each piece. If there are crumbs left after eating bread, then they should also be eaten.

It is strictly forbidden to throw away such sacred bread, which means you will have to eat the crumbs. But besides this, there are other rules that must be followed.

1. This sacred product must be consumed in complete silence. At the same time, the process must be done slowly. It is strictly forbidden to use foul language at this time, even if the bread is just lying on the table.

2. You should not leave half-eaten bread on the table. The remaining parts must be carefully placed in a special bag, which is placed near the holy icons.

3. Prosphora can only be consumed by those people who have taken Orthodox faith. In addition, eating bread is prohibited during church services.

4. If you brought prosphora home, you can’t eat it right away either. Before you begin this process, you need to read a prayer. Please note that this bread is consumed only on an empty stomach.

As a rule, such a meal helps a person take the right path. In fact, he has the opportunity to start life anew, since his thinking is cleared, which means he is ready to do good deeds. A person feels a lightness that he has not experienced before.

Prosphora - what is it. What to do with it, why, when to eat it

The dough for such bread is kneaded with holy water, which means that all the bread becomes sacred. Thus, a person, consuming such bread, himself is sanctified.

The prosphora should be stored in separate form, but if this is not possible at home, then there are special bags for storing such bread. It doesn’t matter where the bread will be stored, in a church or at home, the main thing is to place it next to the icons.

As we have already found out, such bread should be consumed only on an empty stomach. It should be noted that women during menstruation are prohibited not only from appearing in church, but also from eating sacred bread.

It is believed that any shedding of blood in the temple is unacceptable. Even if a person has any bleeding wound, he is also prohibited from going to church.

Holy bread should also not be consumed on Good Friday.

In addition to all of the above, there are other rules for using such a product:

✔ Do not mix prosphora with other products. The point is that you cannot eat other dishes, even lean ones, at the same time as this bread. Bread should be consumed separately, and only on an empty stomach.

✔ Before use, you must read a prayer. Only after this can you begin to eat the sacred bread.

✔ After you have brought bread from church, you need to lay a clean tablecloth on the table , on which you need to put the prosphora. During consumption, you can burn the bread with water, but this water must be consecrated;

✔ You should eat bread carefully so that not a single crumb falls on the floor.

If the bread is consumed after the service, and is usually washed down with warmth - warm water diluted with a small amount of wine. You can replace wine with jam, which will make the drink sweeter.

After the service, people are given a slice of prosphora, which must be washed down with warmth. It is important here that the sacred food is not in any way vomited out as a result of unexpected coughing or spitting.

That is, if you came to church by car, then it is better for you to refrain from drinking wine. In this case, you can simply ask the church ministers for a simple blessed water. But, under no circumstances should you spit out the wine you were supposed to drink.

If the prosphora has spoiled, what should you do with it?

As a rule, prosphora cannot become moldy, since it is prepared in holy water. But sometimes it happens that bread can simply go stale. No amount of holy water can prevent this process.

Of course, you can’t eat bread in this form, and you’re unlikely to succeed. But please note that throwing away church bread is strictly prohibited.

Therefore, if it has already happened that the bread has somehow spoiled, then it is necessary to dispose of it as follows:

✔ Burn the remaining missing bread.

✔ Bury the remaining bread in damp soil.

✔ Place in running water.

Under no circumstances should leftover bread be thrown into the trash, remember this. In addition to the options listed, you can also take bread to church. Give the bread to the church servants, because only they know what to do with the bread that has already become unusable.

Probably the last option is the simplest, since you will not have to perform strange rituals of burning or burying church bread. Leaving spoiled bread in your home is also not recommended.

Not everyone goes to church every week, and some don’t always attend on holidays. Therefore, not everyone knows what prosphora is and how it is used correctly.

But regardless of whether you go to church regularly, or visit it only on holidays, you should know how and when prosphora is used. In addition, if you have the opportunity to eat a slice of this sacred bread, then you must know the rules for its use.

In addition, you must understand that throwing away the sacred bread is strictly prohibited, even if it has somehow spoiled. If you, out of ignorance, got rid of the bread by simply throwing it in the trash, then such an action is equivalent to a sin.

Prosphora is a small round loaf of bread that is usually distributed in the Orthodox Church during services. IN Orthodox tradition it is considered a shrine that must be protected so that it does not deteriorate in any way.

From Greek, the word “prosphora” is translated as “offering,” and initially this was the name for any offering for the church: bread, wine, candles, water, etc. Later, the meaning was assigned to bread, for the Lord says that He is the bread of life.

Description and meaning

The prosphora consists of two parts, which symbolize the dual essence of Jesus Christ: human and divine. There is a seal on top of it. Most often it is a cross, dividing it into four equal parts, on which Greek letters are written. Translated, this is the inscription “Jesus Christ conquers.” The upper part with the seal symbolizes the highest spiritual principle, the lower part - the earthly, human.

For church services They always use only fresh bread, because praying over stale bread is a sin.

Prosphora are used in the church during the Liturgy. There is a special service bread, it is used during proskomedia - a special part of the service. At the very end, all those praying are given small parts - antidors. You need to accept them with reverence, folding your hands crosswise, placing your right hand on top of your left. After this, you need to kiss the hand of the priest who brought the antidor.

You can get bread in the church at the candle box after the service, passing a note for health or peace. For each name mentioned in the note, a piece of prosphora is taken out.

There are certain rules about how and when you can eat prosphora. If you brought it home, then just put it on a clean tablecloth or napkin. You can only eat in the early morning, on an empty stomach. Lay out a clean tablecloth, place prosphora, clean spring or holy water on it, and nothing else. Be sure to read before eating special prayer, thank the Lord for his mercy. It is imperative to eat over a plate or clean paper so that not a single sacred crumb falls on the table or, especially, on the floor.

Recipe

Prosphora is baked from leavened wheat dough. There are no additives put in there. You can bake it at home, because the recipe is quite simple. However, there is a special prayer rule for those who are going to bake church bread at home. You can ask the priest for its text, and also ask for a blessing for this action. In addition, it is necessary to purchase special seals for prosphoras.

Ingredients for the dough:

1. wheat flour - 1 kg;
2. yeast - 25 g;
3. water (preferably holy);
4. salt (optional);
5. natural wax.

We start preparing it like any dough. Add about half the flour to boiling water, stir and let cool. Then add the rest of the flour and mix thoroughly, adding yeast and salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. After this, you need to roll out two layers: the thickness of the layer for the lower part should be approximately 2 cm, for the top 1. Cover with oilcloth and leave for 10 minutes.

Now you need to cut the layers into circles. The bottom circles should be slightly larger than the top ones. Cover the lower ones with a towel and oilcloth and leave for another half hour. It is important that they do not dry out.

The baking tray must be greased with natural wax. Place a special seal on the top before baking. Lubricate the lower part with a little water and connect it to the upper part. Puncture them with a needle so that excess air comes out and no voids form.

Preheat the oven to 200−250 degrees and bake for 15−20 minutes. After this, cover the finished bread with a dry cloth, wet on top, dry again, and a blanket on top. Leave for an hour. All is ready.

According to tradition, prosphora should be baked by those who have not been married, or have been married only once.

Storage Features

You need to store the prosphora at home next to the icons and holy water, in the red corner. It is recommended to keep it in fabric bags to provide air access and avoid mold. Some priests advise cutting it into small pieces in advance, so it dries better. Dried bread should be soaked in holy water and tasted the same as fresh bread.

Here's what you need to do if the prosphora is moldy and you can't eat it:

• Take it to the church, where it will be burned.
• Bury it, but only where people won’t walk.
• Send it into a river or lake, but so that it does not wash ashore. You can tie it to a stone, for example.
• Allowed to be fed to birds. Be sure to crumble onto a board, never onto the ground. It is prohibited to give prosphora to animals.

Priest Sergiy Skuzovatkin, assistant to the dean of the Sarov district for the city of Sarov, answers questions from parishioners.

- Is it possible to venerate icons after Communion? prostrations?

It is possible to venerate the icons, because we washed down the Holy Gifts with warmth, at the same time thoroughly rinsing our mouths, and ate some prosphora. But you need to remember all day about the One who abides in you: do not spit or chew seeds. You can brush your teeth only in the evening. As for bowing to the ground, indeed, there is an establishment that after communion one cannot bow before the evening service of that day. Even if everyone around you bows to the ground, for the sake of the greatness of Communion, limit yourself to bowing to the waist.

- What restrictions are imposed on a woman in “ critical days"? Some say that you can’t take communion, others that you can’t even go into church, and still others that you can’t drink holy water or prosphora at home.

You cannot take communion, because this is our most important shrine. A woman can enter the temple in unclean condition with a special blessing, if her presence there is necessary. For example, if she is a church worker or sings in the choir. But at the same time she does not touch the shrines. In other cases, it is better for a woman to refrain not only from Communion, but also from touching sacred objects (this includes holy water and prosphora), and not enter the temple. But you can stand in the vestibule.

- How long does a woman in labor remain in uncleanness? When can she drink holy water and prosphora?

Here we're talking about about a higher degree of “uncleanness”. Orthodox Church has long established a period during which a woman is cleared of all “constrictions and discharges,” as stated in the Trebnik. This is 40 days. During this period, she voluntarily and humbly fulfills this forced excommunication from church, confession and Communion, from touching the shrine. She begins this only after 40 days, when the priest performs a prayer for cleansing over her.

- In our village they said that they don’t kiss an unbaptized child. How should we feel about this?

Like a prejudice. A newborn child, although not yet a Christian, is also a person who has the image of God. He is the child of his parents, and should enjoy all the benefits and advantages of his position. Therefore, you can kiss him, give him a name and pray for him within the confines of your home. And, of course, love.

- Why are worship crosses installed on roads and highways?

So that when we look at the Cross, the symbol of our salvation, we remember God. In ancient times, chapels were placed on roads in the form of a closed cross under a gable roof. Now this tradition is being revived; you can see roadside icon cases in the form of a chapel with mosaic icons of Father Seraphim, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. By the way, on the graves we see variations of the same worship cross or chapel.

External signs of the cross at road intersections and at the entrance to populated areas are needed so that a traveling person can accompany the stages of his journey with prayer. If people remember God, they will be more careful on the roads, and there will be fewer accidents and casualties.

- What to do if artos becomes moldy?

If it is not possible to use it, then it must be burned in a pious place: in a stove, a bathhouse, etc., but this should not be done simultaneously with setting fire to the wood for the barbecue, but separately and reverently, without the thought of deriving any practical benefit. The ashes can be raked out and placed under the tree.

- Why do priests “poke”? This makes me cringe. Although I am an elderly person and am old enough to be a mother to many of them, I am not their “mother” or “grandmother”. Over many years of working at school, I got used to being addressed by my first name and patronymic. Is it really necessary to leave your human dignity outside the threshold of the church?

I believe that human dignity and cultural baggage do not interfere with being in the Church. I don’t “poke” myself, so it’s difficult for me to answer this question. It happens, however, when you need to speak to a person more simply or he doesn’t hear well, and in confession, for example, I shout: “Did you write it yourself?” I admit that this may offend someone. To some, the intonation of the priest’s voice may seem rude, because priests are also different. That’s why some people like the priest to be kinder, while others like him to be stricter. It seems to me that we should try (just like in a family) to be lenient with each other.

- Some parishioners greeted me, and then stopped after they met me in the city in trousers. I say: “Hello.” And they turn away.

They do it badly. A person should always say hello, this is an expression of his spiritual health. Pants are not a reason to turn your back on your sister. But maybe you're wrong? Women sometimes think that everyone is looking at them. True, I personally also don’t like it when women, especially older ones, wear trousers. She was a grandmother, but she became someone frivolous.

- I play sports and used to only wear trousers. When I came to Church, I switched to skirts in order to be able to go to church on the way from work. One day my child got sick. I rode my bike to the children's clinic to call a doctor. She was wearing a tracksuit. I went to the temple to give a health note. There they told me that if a woman wears trousers, she will suffer from cancer like a woman. It turns out that I should give up trousers not out of love for God, but out of fear of getting cancer?

This warning was made inappropriately and, apparently, was intended for a person who has no fear of God at all. I think they said this out of a sense of reverence, but without due judgment. We all don't know how to do it correctly. How to be? Out of reverence, do not enter the temple in trousers? Or to enter in order to submit a note?

If something serious has happened to a person and he needs to pray, then you need to enter the temple, but with a feeling of humility and the awareness that you entered in inappropriate clothing. You need to be prepared for comments and respond to them in such a way as not to continue the conflict. Maybe apologize and explain the situation. My experience shows that, as a rule, people who enter the temple with the wrong disposition are offended. As one person wrote on his blog: “Why don’t I get treated like McDonald’s when I walk into a temple?” On the other hand, think about it: we come to God in church, and He can also act through people who reprimanded us.