Antidoron

Charles Buck Theological Dictionary

A name given by the Greeks to the consecrated bread; out of which the middle part, marked with the cross, wherein the consecration resides, being taken away by the priest, the remainder is distributed after mass to the poor.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

( Ἀντίδωρον , A Gift In Return or Exchange ) , the title given to the bread which, in the Greek Church, is distributed to the people after the mass. It receives its name from its being received Instead of the Ἃγιον Δῶρον , or holy communion, by those who were not prepared to receive the latter, though also by those who were. It was also called Eulogia, or the "blessed" bread, and was sometimes sent by the bishop of one church to him of another in token of intercommunion. — Goar, Rit. Graec. p. 154.