Epiklesis

/ɛˈpɪkləsɪs/ noun

Definition

A prayer in Christian liturgy, especially the Eastern Orthodox tradition, calling upon the Holy Spirit to consecrate the bread and wine of the Eucharist.

Etymology

From Greek epiklesis (a calling upon); used in Christian liturgical contexts since early church tradition, essential to sacramental theology.

Kelly Says

The epiclesis is why Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches sometimes say their liturgies are so different—they disagree about *when* and *how* the Holy Spirit is invoked, and it matters deeply to them.

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