In the Orthodox Church there are several different commemoration. One of these is the commemoration of the living and the deceased before the divine liturgy at the proskomedia.
The proscomidia is performed by the clergyman at the altar shortly before the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. During the proscidium, the priest prepares a substance for the sacrament of the Eucharist, which consists in appending to the holy bread and wine the essence of the true Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
At proskomidia, several large prosphores (round specially prepared bread) and several dozen small prosphores are most often used. The priest with special prayers takes out particles from each large prosphora. The first prosphora is called lamb, as a large particle of bread is taken out of it, which is later used during the Eucharist. From other prosphora, smaller particles are taken out in memory of the Mother of God, angels and saints. There is also a special large prosphora designed to take out particles of bread in memory of the living and the deceased. When a priest takes out a particle from such a prosphora with a special copy, people can be remembered.
Also on proskomidia can be used and small prosphora, intended exclusively for the remembrance of people. The priest takes out a separate piece for each person (sometimes the removal of particles from small prosphores can be performed on the eve of the liturgy for evening worship). All the removed particles are placed on the diskos next to the removed lamb and the remaining particles from the large prosphora.
At the end of the liturgy (after the communion of believers), the priest dips the removed particles in memory of the living and the deceased in a holy cup with the words that the Lord with His Blood washed away the sins of all people commemorating the proskimidia.
The commemoration of the prosquidium is one of the most common commemoration in Christian liturgical practice. Many believers, coming to the temple, always try to order commemoration at the proskomidy of their relatives, friends and acquaintances.
