epiclesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareSpecialized, Liturgical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “epiclesis” mean?
The part of the Eucharistic prayer in which the Holy Spirit is invoked to sanctify the bread and wine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of the Eucharistic prayer in which the Holy Spirit is invoked to sanctify the bread and wine.
A liturgical invocation; more broadly, any invocation or calling upon a higher power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialized and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its theological context.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; appears only in theological, liturgical, or historical academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “epiclesis” in a Sentence
The epiclesis of/in [prayer/rite]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epiclesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest will epiclese the elements, invoking the Spirit.
American English
- The celebrant epicleses the gifts during the anaphora.
adverb
British English
- The prayer was recited epicletically.
American English
- He invoked the Spirit epicletically.
adjective
British English
- The epicletic moment is central to their understanding of the sacrament.
American English
- The prayer contains epicletic formulae from ancient liturgies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in liturgical studies, theology, religious history, and patristics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Specifically used in Christian liturgy and sacramental theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epiclesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epiclesis”
- Confusing with 'epilogue' or 'ellipsis'. Spelling: 'epiclesis' not 'epiclisis' or 'epiclessis'. Mispronouncing the stress: it is on the third syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It is a technical term of Christian liturgy, particularly in Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and some Anglican traditions. Rarely, it may be used analogously for invocations in other religious contexts.
All epicleses are invocations, but not all invocations are epicleses. 'Epiclesis' is a specific type of invocation that calls upon the Holy Spirit (or a divine power) to act, specifically to sanctify or transform something, most famously the Eucharistic elements.
In British English: /ˌɛpɪˈkliːsɪs/ (ep-i-KLEE-sis). In American English: /ˌɛpəˈkliːsɪs/ (ep-uh-KLEE-sis). The primary stress is on the third syllable ('KLEE').
It would be highly unusual and likely considered an erudite or forced metaphor, e.g., 'The poet's verse served as an epiclesis upon the muse.' In everyday language, 'invocation' or 'call' is far more appropriate.
The part of the Eucharistic prayer in which the Holy Spirit is invoked to sanctify the bread and wine.
Epiclesis is usually specialized, liturgical, academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EPIC (large, important) + LESIS (sounds like 'lease' or 'release'). An EPIC invocation that LEASES or releases the Spirit.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVOCATION IS A SUMMONS; SACRAMENTAL CHANGE IS A DESCENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'epiclesis'?