Q&A Home > L > Divine Liturgy What do the paten and chalice symbolize? Do they change meaning as the Divine Liturgy service progresses? The paten reminds us of the tomb where the body of our Lord was placed, also the pot of manna and the manger of Bethlehem. It does not change meaning during the Divine Liturgy. The chalice reminds us of the cup our Lord had used in instituting the Mystery of the Eucharist. It is also a symbol of the spiritual hardship our Lord and Savior endured while He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done" (Lk 22:39)
| |