The official phrase of the fourth day, which recalled Demeter's mourning for Persephone, was “Hieria deuro” (“Bring sacred offerings”). This was the order given by officials to gather the animals that the city would offer to the goddesses. A day full of solemnity, moderation and sacerdotal grandeur, the 17th of Boedromion was dedicated to the great sacrifice and prayers for the Boule and the people of Athens, the women and children, the homeland, and the other Greek cities that sent sacred ambassadors (theoroi) to the Greater Mysteries. The Archon Basileus supervised the sacrifice in the City Eleusinion with the help of the paredros and four epimeletes. Then came the offerings by the sacred ambassadors who prayed on behalf of their compatriots and cities.