Table of Preparation
The bread and wine are prepared for the Divine Liturgy at this table. It is normally on the north side, to the left as you face the Holy Table.
Key points
- The gifts express the Church's offering before they are brought to the Holy Table.
- Look for: A smaller table with the chalice, diskos, and covers.
- Illustrated location: Sanctuary / altar area
- Preparing and offering the gifts (Orthodox reception): Bread and wine are prepared at the prothesis and carried through the nave in the Great Entrance to the Holy Table. Against the background of biblical offerings, Orthodox theology understands the Eucharist as participation in Christ’s once-for-all self-offering.
- The Great Entrance carries gifts still to be consecrated. The Eucharist does not repeat Christ’s death, and the preparation table is not a surviving animal-sacrifice altar.
- Communion and care for the neighbor (Historical connection): Acts describes believers sharing bread and meeting one another’s needs. Justin’s Sunday account links the Eucharist with gifts for the poor, widows, prisoners, strangers, and those absent. The gathered nave and Communion vessels point beyond the building to a life of mercy.
Scripture
- Hebrews 9:1–12, 24–28 — Preparing and offering the gifts: Bread and wine are prepared at the prothesis and carried through the nave in the Great Entrance to the Holy Table. Against the background of biblical offerings, Orthodox theology understands the Eucharist as participation in Christ’s once-for-all self-offering.
- Hebrews 10:10–22 — Preparing and offering the gifts: Bread and wine are prepared at the prothesis and carried through the nave in the Great Entrance to the Holy Table. Against the background of biblical offerings, Orthodox theology understands the Eucharist as participation in Christ’s once-for-all self-offering.
- Acts 2:1–4, 42–47 — Communion and care for the neighbor: Acts describes believers sharing bread and meeting one another’s needs. Justin’s Sunday account links the Eucharist with gifts for the poor, widows, prisoners, strangers, and those absent. The gathered nave and Communion vessels point beyond the building to a life of mercy.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23–29 — Communion and care for the neighbor: Acts describes believers sharing bread and meeting one another’s needs. Justin’s Sunday account links the Eucharist with gifts for the poor, widows, prisoners, strangers, and those absent. The gathered nave and Communion vessels point beyond the building to a life of mercy.