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Holy Catechism
Nikolaos Voulgaris, tr. Daniel, 1893
Of the Antidoron
After the prayer the Priest comes forth and stands in the accustomed place, and gives the Antidoron.
The other names of the Antidoron, and its etymology, as in fact also its object, for which it was designed, we saw with Balsamon in the First Part; and from the blessed Germanus we heard of the Sanctification and the Blessing which it confers as from the body of the most holy and spotless Mother of God herself; since we likened the Oblation as a type of the Virgin’s womb.1
Symeon of Thessalonica describes the Antidoron as being “Bread hallowed in the Prothesis and offered, from which the middle part is removed and offered for the sacrifice; this afterwards, as being sealed by the spear, and having received to itself divine words, is offered in place of the Gifts, namely, the awful Mysteries, to those who do not partake of these, for it is needful for the people also to partake of sanctification. For all the consecration that proceeds from the Prayers and the awful Celebration, was in thought imparted to the Faithful; but forasmuch as it was necessary for the rest as surrounding the Body to receive the sanctification also by some visible means, this is effected by the Antidoron.” And Cabasilas thus: “Then moreover the offered Bread, from which the Priest cut off the holy Loaf, he parts into many portions and distributes to the Faithful, as having become holy through the fact of being dedicated and used for a sacred purpose. And they with all devotion take it, and kiss the right hand, as having lately touched the All-holy Body of Christ the Saviour, and acquired the sanctification which comes thence, and as believed to transfer the same to such as touch it.” This great devotion with which Christians ought to take the holy Antidoron from the hand of the Priests, Pachymeres describes in reference to our God-crowned Emperors, writing thus concerning Michael Palæologus: “The Emperor approaches, extends his hands to receive part of the divine Bread; the Priest reaches out his right hand holding the portion of the holy Bread. And thus the Emperor having his hands extended, and the Priest keeping his right hand unmoved, the tongue brings the supplication.” Let us individually consider what we are doing, if we go not (even though it be to avoid giving offence) to receive such and so great a Blessing.
Notes
- See Question 44, p. 65.