Definition: The prothesis refers to a liturgical preparation table or a specific area within an Eastern Orthodox or Eastern Catholic church where the Eucharistic elements (bread and wine) are prepared before the Divine Liturgy.
Overview: In Eastern Christian liturgical practice, particularly within the Byzantine Rite, the prothesis is a small chapel or table located to the left of the main altar (in liturgical terms, the north side of the sanctuary). Before the Divine Liturgy, a service known as the Proskomedia (or Proskomide) is conducted at the prothesis. During this rite, the priest prepares the bread (prosphora) by selecting and consecrating portions for the Lamb (the consecrated Host), the Theotokos, saints, the living, and the departed. The symbolic nature of this preparation reflects theological themes of sacrifice, communion, and intercession.
The area associated with the prothesis is often screened by the iconostasis and may be partially or fully enclosed depending on the church’s architectural design. In some cathedral settings, especially historical ones, the prothesis may be an actual adjoining chamber.
Etymology/Origin: The term "prothesis" originates from the Greek word πρόθεσις (próthesis), meaning "a placing before" or "setting forth." In ancient Greek, the word could refer to the display of offerings. In Christian usage, it specifically came to denote the preparation of the gifts, drawing on the verb προτίθημι (protithēmi), "to set before" (e.g., in the context of the showbread in the Old Testament or the early Christian agape meals).
In liturgical Greek, "prothesis" evolved to designate both the rite of preparation and the physical location where it occurs. The corresponding Slavonic term is "proskomidiia," which is more commonly used in Russian Orthodox tradition than the Greek-derived "prothesis" as a functional term.
Characteristics:
- The prothesis table usually holds the diskos (paten), chalice, asterisk, and other sacred vessels used in the preparation.
- It often includes a tabernacle or ciborium for reserved sacraments in some traditions.
- Icons are typically placed around the prothesis — commonly the icon of Christ the High Priest or scenes related to the Last Supper.
- The Proskomedia performed here is done silently or with minimal chant and is considered a solemn, meditative rite.
- In architectural terms, the prothesis may be a small apse to the north of the main apse, forming part of the sanctuary layout in traditional church design.
Related Topics:
- Proskomedia
- Iconostasis
- Altar (in Eastern Christianity)
- Sanctuary (liturgical)
- Byzantine Rite
- Eucharist in the Eastern Orthodox Church
- Diaconicon
Note: The term "prothesis" in this context should not be confused with "prothesis" in rhetoric or linguistics, which refers to the addition of a sound or syllable at the beginning of a word. The liturgical use is distinct and rooted in religious practice.