In the Byzantine liturgy, the amnos is the central portion of the principal prosphora, the bread loaves prepared for consecration at the Eucharist and stamped with a seal. This portion of the prosphora signifies Christ's body. During the Prothesis rite, the amnos is cut out of the center and is then consecrated at the Eucharist. The removal of the amnos symbolizes the piercing of Christ's side at the Crucifixion. More generally, the term amnos refers to the sacrificial lamb. BLR
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Amnos." Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium. Ed. Alexander Kazhdan. 3 vols. New York: Oxford University Press. 79.
"Prosphora." Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium. Ed. Alexander Kazhdan. 3 vols. New York: Oxford University Press. 1740.