On the fortieth day after the Resurrection, Jesus went to Bethany with His Disciples. There, after giving them His final instructions, He ascended into Heaven. When the Priest turns and faces the congregation with the Holy Vessels and says, "Now and ever and unto ages of ages," making the Sign of the Cross over the faithful, this symbolises Christ's Ascension into Heaven.

After this, he recites a few petitions, a prayer before the icon of Christ, and the final dismissal prayer. The people of the congregation all pass by and receive the Antidoron, the blessed bread from the offering loaves which were not consecrated for Holy Communion. The word Antidoron means "instead of the Gifts;" that is, "instead of Holy Communion." It was originally intended only for those who did not receive Communion, but today it is offered to all.