Spoon

The spoon (Gr. λαβίδα) is one of the number of liturgical vessels and implements used during services of the Orthodox Church, especially during Holy Communion.

The spoon used in the transmission of both elements of Holy Communion to the faithful. In early liturgical practice it was used only when administering the Eucharist to the sick and infants. With the developments in Orthodox liturgics, and with the need for priests to serve the Divine Liturgy without the assistance of a deacon, its use became commonplace. Originally the priest would place the Body of Christ in the palm of the receiver and the deacon would offer the chalice, much like the way clergy partake of the sacrament even today.

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