The Oblation (8)
The Oblation (8)
The Lamb oblation is placed in the paten, as a sign of the tomb in which Christ was buried. A cover called the prospharine is placed on the altar, representing the cave in which the tomb was. A veil is placed over the prospharine as a sign of placing a stone over the mouth of the tomb. Two candlesticks are placed on the altar, symbolizing the two angels who appeared at the time of the Holy Resurrection.
A dome is placed over the paten as a sign of heaven, meaning that the place in which Christ dwelt has been transformed into heaven. Before the prayers of consecration, we pray the Prayer of Reconciliation. Through the sacrifice, we are reconciled with God, and around it we gather, reconciled with one another. Before this Lamb, we mention all our requests and prayers, for the sake of the Church, the fathers, the priests and the servants, the safety of our places, and the growth of our fruits… and everything.
This Lamb does not only bear our sins, but we also carry upon Him our needs and our requests.
Article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Year Eight (Issue Ten) – 11/3/1977.
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