Prothesis
In Byzantine architecture, the Prothesis is a small room in a church behind the wall of icons. This part of the sanctuary is where the bread and wine are prepared for Mass and stored after Mass. The Prothesis often includes a small table that is used for the preparations.
In smaller churches, a separate chamber is not built for this specific purpose; instead, part of the north side of the altar is set aside to serve as the Prothesis. In large Orthodox churches, the Prothesis is built on the north side of the central apse. Another chamber on the south side of the sanctuary is reserved for the Diaconicon (vestments, books and other items used during services). The third and largest chamber contains the altar.
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