enkolpion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / SpecialisedHighly Formal, Ecclesiastical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “enkolpion” mean?
A small religious icon or medallion, often of the Virgin Mary or a saint, worn on a chain around the neck, especially by bishops in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small religious icon or medallion, often of the Virgin Mary or a saint, worn on a chain around the neck, especially by bishops in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Historically, any type of pendant or amulet worn on the chest, often with a protective or devotional purpose. The term can also refer to a reliquary worn in a similar manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage, as the term is a specialised loanword. American texts on Orthodox Christianity might use it slightly more frequently due to larger Orthodox communities.
Connotations
Connotes deep religious tradition, Byzantine history, and clerical authority. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, limited to theological, historical, or art history texts.
Grammar
How to Use “enkolpion” in a Sentence
The bishop [VERB] the enkolpion.An enkolpion [VERB] with an image of...They discovered an enkolpion [PREP] the ruins.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enkolpion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The archimandrite was enkolpioned with a relic of St. Spyridon.
- He enkolpions himself before the liturgy.
American English
- The bishop was enkolpioned with a relic of Saint Spyridon.
- He enkolpions himself before the liturgy.
adjective
British English
- The enkolpional tradition is ancient.
- They studied enkolpionic art.
American English
- The enkolpion tradition is ancient.
- They studied enkolpion art.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history, theology, and Byzantine studies papers. e.g., 'The enkolpion discovered at the site dates to the 10th century.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in descriptions of Eastern Orthodox ecclesiastical vestments and Byzantine archaeology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enkolpion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enkolpion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enkolpion”
- Mispronouncing it as /en-KOL-pee-on/.
- Using it to refer to any necklace.
- Misspelling as 'encolpion'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While worn like a necklace, an enkolpion is specifically a religious object with devotional or ceremonial significance, not a piece of decorative jewellery.
Primarily bishops in the Eastern Orthodox Church, although in earlier periods, devout laypersons and other clergy might also have worn them.
Common depictions include the Virgin Mary (Panagia), Christ, various saints, or the Crucifixion. Some enkolpia are small reliquaries.
A 'panagia' is a specific type of enkolpion depicting the Virgin Mary. All panagias are enkolpia, but not all enkolpia (e.g., those depicting Christ or a saint) are panagias.
A small religious icon or medallion, often of the Virgin Mary or a saint, worn on a chain around the neck, especially by bishops in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Enkolpion is usually highly formal, ecclesiastical, academic in register.
Enkolpion: in British English it is pronounced /ɛnˈkɒlpɪɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɛnˈkɑːlpiən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is too specialised for idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENKOLpion - an icon you KOL (wear around your neck) - used by Orthodox clergy.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHIELD OF FAITH (worn on the chest for spiritual protection).
Practice
Quiz
An 'enkolpion' is most closely associated with which context?