In the first in a series of video collaborations between St. Volodymyr Cathedral of Toronto and St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Oshawa, Fr. Bohdan Hladio describes the Proskomedia: "The Liturgy of Preparation", focusing on the preparation of the leavened bread, wine and water which will become the Body and Blood of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, at the Liturgy of the Faithful.
With the text of the prayers of the Proskomedia as a foundation, Fr. Bohdan explains how the Diskos (paten), Chalice, Spear, Asterisk (star-cover), small veils and Aër (large veil) are used; how the Lamb is cut from the first of five loaves of leavened bread (Prosphora); and how particles are taken from the remaining loaves for the Most-holy Theotokos (Mother of God), for the nine ranks of Saints, for the Hierarchs, the Civil Authorities, the Living and the Dead. Fr. Hladio elaborates on the pious practice of submitting the names of one's family and friends (both living and the reposed) and the associated offering of smaller loaves which are returned as blessed bread to family members following the Liturgy. He describes how the Lamb, having become the Body of Christ is further divided at the Eucharist, with specific portions to fulfill the Chalice, divided among the celebrating clergy; and reserved for the Communion of the laity.
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Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners!