Prosfora Bakers at St. Nicholas

"I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever; and the Bread that I shall give is My Flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." - John 6:51

"Bless my hands, Lord, that as I give myself to the making of this bread I may honor You so that this bread may be holy. Accept my gift and make all Your people worthy to receive the Holy Gifts at the Divine Liturgy when You consecrate this prósfora and give it back to us as Your precious Body." - From the Prayers of Preparation Before Baking Prosforo

The prosfora is the bread that is used by the priest during Divine Liturgy, and which will become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Baking prosfora is not simply a practicality, but is an act of prayer and devotion. The people who bake the prosfora do so in a prayerful attitude, having set aside a time free of distractions around the house. It is traditional to read from the Psalms while the prosfora is rising, and to read prayers of preparation before baking.

Any Orthodox Christian can bake the prosfora. Please contact Fr. Jeremy if you would like to be added to the baking schedule.

Resources for Bakers

• St. Nicholas November-December 2024 Baking Schedule
• Prosforo Recipe - The bread used at Liturgy is a simple loaf made from only flour, salt, yeast, and water
• Prayers While Baking Prosforo
• The Office of Oblation (Proskomide) - An educational article on the Proskomide service