Elevation

Origins and development

Early Christian texts such as the Apostolic Constitutions already describe an elevation before communion. In Western Europe, the practice of lifting the host immediately after the words of blessing began in northern regions during the late twelfth century. Bishop Eudes de Sully of Paris ordered the host to be shown around that time, and the custom reached Rome by the fourteenth century. In medieval churches, people placed great value on seeing the elevated host. Bells were rung to alert people to look, and servers held lighted candles on long rods so the bread could be clearly seen in dimly lit sanctuaries.

The Roman rite

In Catholic liturgies, the priest raises the elements at several distinct moments. The most prominent occurs during the Eucharistic prayer, when the host and chalice are lifted individually following their consecration so the people behind the priest can gaze upon them. An older lifting takes place during the concluding praise of the Eucharistic prayer, tracing back to at least the ninth century. Before receiving and distributing communion, the celebrant holds the host over the plate or cup, declaring Christ as the Lamb of God who removes the sins of the world.

Eastern traditions

In Byzantine liturgies, the priest lifts the bread slightly above the plate before communion and proclaims that holy things belong to holy people. The choir answers by praising the holiness of Christ. A further elevation takes place when the deacon carries the chalice out through the sanctuary doors, calling the faithful to approach with fear of God and faith. Worshippers respond with deep bows or prostrations. After communion, the priest raises the chalice again, making the sign of the cross and reciting prayers of blessing.

Lutheran practice

During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther defended the elevation as a visible sign of Christ's presence and divine forgiveness. Rather than treating it as an offering made to God, he viewed it as a message directed toward the gathered congregation. Evangelical-Lutheran bodies, such as the Church of Sweden, maintain elevations during the words of institution, the closing words of praise in the Eucharistic prayer, and during the singing of the Agnus Dei.

How Elevation is kept

During the service, the priest or deacon raises the consecrated wafer and chalice above the altar or presents them through the sanctuary doors. Worshippers gaze upon the gifts, bowing, making prostrations, or joining in responses and choral chants. In Western services, church bells often sound at the consecration. In Eastern liturgies, specific spoken exclamations invite the faithful to draw near, while altar ministers assist with candles and vestments during the solemn display.

When and where

The elevation takes place during the celebration of the Eucharist or Mass, occurring at set points such as the Eucharistic prayer, the words of consecration, and immediately prior to receiving Communion.

The ritual is kept inside Christian churches worldwide that follow Western Catholic, Lutheran, or Eastern Byzantine liturgical rites, where it forms an essential part of regular Sunday and weekday worship services.

What Elevation means

Raising the bread and cup presents Christ to the gathered faithful as an object of reverence and adoration. It visually signals the real presence in the sacrament, inviting believers to receive divine grace, give praise, and prepare their hearts for communion.

Questions people ask about Elevation

See also

Presentation of Jesus at the TempleA February feast of candles and welcome, kept forty days after ChristmasSaint George's DayA saint's feast on 23 April, kept by churches and patron nations from England to GeorgiaSt John's EveBonfires, feasting and worship on the short night before John the Baptist's feastFeast of the TransfigurationA Christian holy day marking the revelation of Christ's divine glory on Mount Tabor

Good reading and sources

• Elevation (liturgy) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.