The
Liturgy of Preparation, also
Prothesis or
Proskomedia (
Proskomide "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.