The Lity Service

The Lity Tray is a liturgical object used in the services of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic traditions, especially during solemn vigils and feast-day celebrations.

It is a round or oval metal tray, typically made of brass, silver, or gold-plated material, often placed at the center of the church during the service of Lity (a prayer of supplication and blessing). On the tray are placed five small loaves of bread (artoklasia), along with wheat, wine, and oil. These offerings are blessed and distributed to the faithful as a sign of spiritual nourishment and communal unity.

The bread used on the Lity Tray is closely connected to the tradition of the loaves blessed during the miracle of the feeding of the multitudes by Jesus Christ. The wheat, wine, and oil symbolize sustenance, joy, and divine mercy, reflecting both physical and spiritual provision.

The tray is usually ornately decorated with engraved crosses or floral motifs, emphasizing its sacred role. It is carried in procession during the service and placed prominently where prayers of blessing are offered for the church, the community, and the world.

Overall, the Lity Tray is a focal point of thanksgiving and intercession, uniting symbolic gifts of creation with liturgical prayer in a shared act of blessing and remembrance.