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ANTIDORON

Volume 2 · 121 words · 1823 Edition

in Ecclesiastical Writers, a name given by the Greeks to the consecrated bread, out of which the middle part, marked with the cross, where-in the consecration resides, being taken away by the priest, the remainder is distributed after mass to the poor. On the sides of the antidoron are impressed the words Jesus Christus vivit. The word is formed from ἀνδρόν, "a gift," as being given also loco munieris, or in charity. The antidoron is also called panis praesanctificatus. Some supposed the antidoron to be distributed in lieu of the sacrament, to such as were prevented from attending in person at the celebration; and thence derive the origin of the word, the eucharist being denominated doron, "gift," by way of eminence.