Smaller particles are the placed on the plate to remember individuals who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Finally, the priest takes out a particle for himself and places it with the rest of the particles for the living. When all this is completed, we see the lamb which will become the Body of Christ during the Eucharistic Liturgy enthroned on the plate surrounded by particles representing the Mother of God and all the saints, and all the living and the departed. The preparation service continues with the offering of incense and the covering of the bread and wine with veils or coverings. The priest prays, We offer incense to You, Christ our God.
Incense is made of resins that come from special trees, which are mixed with fragrant oils.
It is then placed on a hot coal, which burns the incense and makes a sweet-smelling smoke. Because incense is expensive, when we burn it, it is an offering made to God. The burning of the incense symbolizes our prayer rising up to God. After the incense is offered, the bread and win covered, then our gifts are also offered by the priest, who prays, Bless this offering and accept it on Your heavenly altar. Remember those who offered it and those for whom it was offered.