Liturgy of Preparation
（重定向自Proskomide）
![The Altar of Prothesis, set with the diskos (left), chalice (right) and other implements needed for the Liturgy of Preparation. The Lamb sits on the diskos (paten). To the left are Prosphora for the Theotokos, the saints, the living and the departed.](/Images/godic/202502/04/Liturgy_St_James_15351.jpg")
![Prosphora prepared for the Liturgy of Preparation. The large loaves on the left are the five principal prosphora; the smaller loaves on the right are for the commemorations of the living and the dead by the faithful (Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, London).](/Images/godic/202502/04/Divine_Liturgy_Preparations_at_Ukrainian_Catholic_Cathedral,_London5351.jpg")
![the Lamb and particles placed on the diskos. The large triangle to the viewer's left of the Lamb is the particle for the Theotokos; to the right of the Lamb are the particles for the nine ranks (saints); below the Lamb are the particles commemorating the living and the departed.](/Images/godic/202502/04/Patene-byzantine5352.jpg")
![Subdeacon reading the names of the living and the departed during the Liturgy of Preparation.](/Images/godic/202502/04/Ipodiakon5352.jpg")
The Liturgy of Preparation, also Prothesis (Greek: Πρόθεσις "a setting forth") or Proskomedia (Προσκομιδή Proskomidē "an offering, an oblation"), is the name given in the Eastern Orthodox Church to the act of preparing the bread and wine for the Eucharist. The Liturgy of Preparation is done quietly before the public part of the Divine Liturgy begins, and symbolizes the "hidden years" of Christ's earthly life.