Paten

A smaller style paten will often have a depression that allows it to securely sit on top of the chalice, as shown in the illustration on the left here.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal lays down rules for patens: Sacred vessels should be made from precious metal.

In the Methodist service of the Holy Communion, the bread is placed upon a paten during the offertory and once again after it consecrated, specifically following the fraction.

During the Divine Liturgy it is not only the Lamb (Host) that is placed on the diskos, but also particles to commemorate the Theotokos, the Saints, the living and the departed.

"[citation needed]Sometimes, when a bishop celebrates the Liturgy, a smaller diskos is prepared for him with a small prosphoron from which he takes particles to commemorate the living and the departed before the Great Entrance.

[citation needed] During the Consecration of a Church, a diskos is used to hold the relics of the saints which will be sealed in the Holy Table and antimension by the bishop.

When a priest is ordained, a portion of the Lamb will be placed on a small diskos and given to him, as a sign of the Sacred Mysteries which are being entrusted to his care.

Additionally, it has a raised edge, forming a relatively high rim, preventing particles of the offered elements from falling to the floor.

Paten , 13th century, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Ensemble for the celebration of the Eucharist
Derrynaflan Paten , part of an 8th- or 9th-century communion set found in County Tipperary , Ireland
Traditional gold chalice and paten inscribed with IHS .
Gilded silver diskos (16th century, Pskov ).
The paten from the Treasure of Gourdon (6th century)