The Proskomide — Service of Preparation of the Holy Gifts

Long before most people arrive at Church, the priest prepares the Holy Gifts (the bread and wine that will be consecrated into the body and blood of Christ) in a small service called the Proskomedi. He cuts pieces of a loaf of bread called the prosphora (“before the gifts”) and places them on dish called a paten, and then pours water and wine into the chalice. This is what is carried through the congregation during the Great Procession in the Divine Liturgy. This is also the time when the names you submit to the priest are first read.

Fr. John Peck, pastor of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Prescott Arizona prepared a video on the Proskomedi Service. You can view it here.

End of Summer Appeal

Dear Members and Friends of St. Peter Orthodox Mission,

Summer is always a difficult time for parish finances and St. Peter’s is no exception.

While we are capable of holding our own and meeting our obligations for the most part, occasionally we have to dig a little deeper to support the parish. Now is one of those times.

Would you be able to send a contribution to St. Peter’s to help us pay our expenses?

St. Peter’s is a fledgling but growing mission. We have a very strong core group, a good stream of visitors, and great promise for growth. According to statistics that measure mission growth, we are doing very well. But missions take time to grow, and while we are getting on our feet we need your help even more.

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