The asterix is part of the church utensils, which has the shape of two metal arches joined in the shape of a cross.

Its main purpose is to place it on top of the disk so that the particles from the prosphora do not touch the lid.

It is a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem - a miraculous phenomenon that the wise men called a star. This star marked the Nativity of Jesus, that is, it is the star of the Nativity. Even during the service, when the discus is covered with a star, the words are said that the star stood where the Christ child was.

The asterix is used in proscomidia - this is the first part of the Liturgy of the Orthodox Church. It is placed at four ends so that the bread particles placed on the disk do not touch the lids and "air" and do not mix.