Blessed bread is distributed to the people after receiving communion or a blessing from the clergy. In the Eastern tradition, the equivalent is called “antidoron,” which means “instead of (communion).”

The following directions are for use with a Kitchen Aid mixer.  If you are not using a mixer, knead for 20 minutes instead.

Ingredients

•4 cups all-purpose flour

•1 tsp. salt

•1 package dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp.)

•1 1½ cups very warm water (115-120 degrees)

Begin with prayer:

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.  Lord, be gracious unto our sins.  Master, pardon our transgressions.  Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.

Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name:  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us and save us.  Amen.

Combine dry ingredients together in bowl, stir to mix. While mixer is running on low, add water.  Using your dough hook, and the mixer set on #1 or 2 speed, mix for about 8 minutes. The consistency should be such that the dough does not stick to the sides of the bowl.  Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface (not the countertop), knead and form into a ball.  You may use wax paper, parchment paper, or a dedicated board for the kneading. Place in a bowl, cover with a clean cloth and let it rise until doubles in size ~ 30 minutes.

Then Say the Trisagion Prayer (above)

Once the dough has risen, punch down and let it rest for a few minutes. Then flatten the entire piece, form into one round and place in a lightly floured pan.  

Then bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees.  Immediately reduce temperature to 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.   Cover loosely with foil if it browns too quickly. When done, immediately remove the bread from the pan to fully cool on a cooling rack.  **Optional: Take a damp cloth/towel and wipe it across the top of the bread to keep that area soft for cutting later.  

Close with the Trisagion Prayer (above)

The priest requests that the bread be brought to church on Saturday evening uncut. If you must bring it on Sunday, wait to cut it until you arrive at church to prevent the bread from drying out.