We Byzantine-rite Christians use food a lot in our worship/veneration. There is the blessed antidoron we eat after communion, liturgical blessing of certain foods, etc. I was wondering about the place of food in home worship.
I know that prosphora which was offered in the liturgy is often eaten at home throughout the week, but are there any traditions of offering food as a symbol of honour within the context of home prayer.
For example, let's say I just got hired and I am celebrating by holding a akathist to the Theotokos at my home (because I had asked her to intercede so I would get the job, and want to show my appreciation). I invite many guests over.To honour her, I offer the standard votives of incense and a lit lamp placed before her icon. In addition, I place a dish I laboured to prepare in honour before her icon as a gesture of veneration. Then after the akathist, I make the sign of the cross over the dish and bless it. It is then distributed to guests, along with other food I made for them.
In mind at least, this seems a good and a natural way to give honour. Furthermore, it doesn't seem unlike liturgical forms of veneration that involve food, so I don't personally see anything awry. However, I have never heard about any Byzantine custom like this. So I was wondering if there are any similar, or if I am just odd (or misunderstanding something).
Food and prayer
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