Collyva

Collyva is an oblation used in the Greek Church in commemoration of the resurrection of the dead. It consists of cakes made principally of boiled wheat and currants, the surface of the top being ornamented with the edible grains of the pomegranate, almonds, etc., and is presented on a plate before the chancel of the church. They are brought on certain days by the friends of hose who have died within a year or two. The friends claim that the soul of the deceased comes down during the service and eats a grain or two of the wheat.