epikomen

Epikomen is a term used in certain Eastern Christian liturgical traditions to refer to a small portion of Eucharistic bread that is set aside during the Divine Liturgy. The word derives from Greek and is commonly interpreted as meaning “remainder” or “leftover.” In practice, the epikomen denotes a piece of the prosphora bread that remains after the preparation of the Gifts for the Eucharist. How this fragment is treated—whether it is blessed, distributed to clergy, or reserved for commemorations—varies by rite, jurisdiction, and historical period.

In its liturgical function, the epikomen serves as a tangible remnant associated with the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. Its management reflects broader patterns of ritual memory and reverence for the offerings made during worship. Because practices differ among local churches, the exact usage and significance of the epikomen can vary, and detailed instructions are found in liturgical texts and rubrics specific to each tradition.

Beyond its concrete use, the term appears in patristic and theological writings as a metaphor for what remains or is left over, sometimes employed in discussions about grace, sacrifice, and communal memory.

See also: Prosphora, Divine Liturgy, Antidoron, Eucharistic bread.