Epiclesis

Ancient roots

In classical Greek antiquity, an epiklesis was an appeal or a distinctive surname assigned to a divinity during sacred rites. Unlike poetic epithets, these special titles honored deities in particular sanctuaries or on distinct civic occasions, as documented by the ancient travel writer Pausanias. The terminology later passed into Christian worship, taking on the focused meaning of calling upon the Holy Spirit or divine grace. Through this linguistic bridge, an ancient method of divine address transformed into a dedicated phase of communion prayers.

Eastern Christian rites

In Eastern Orthodox traditions, the invocation is seen as the culmination of the Eucharistic transformation, completing a spiritual transition that begins during the preparatory rites. Historical formulas reflect this reverence across several forms, such as the Liturgies of Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Basil the Great, and Saint James. The priest prays aloud for the Holy Spirit to descend upon the congregation and the gifts, while the deacon gestures toward the paten and chalice. In the ancient East Syriac rite of Addai and Mari, the petition appears directly within the prayer without reciting the standard narrative of the Last Supper.

Western liturgical practice

Western Christian traditions historically focused on Christ's Words of Institution as the defining instant when the elements are consecrated. Even so, scholars highlight implicit invocations within older Latin rites, including the Quam oblationem prayer of the Roman Canon, where the celebrant signs crosses over the offerings and seeks divine blessing. During the twentieth-century Liturgical Movement, several Western denominations reintroduced distinct invocations to enrich their communion texts. Similarly, Western Rite Orthodox congregations adopted stronger petitions to harmonize their services with the historic patterns of Byzantine worship.

How Epiclesis is kept

During the Eucharistic liturgy, the celebrant stands at the altar after commemorating Christ's acts and offers a solemn petition. In Eastern rites, the priest asks the Father to send down the Holy Spirit upon the gathered people and the bread and chalice. A deacon assists by pointing ritual vestments or gestures toward the sacred vessels, prompting responses of assent. The priest traces the sign of the cross over the gifts and asks that they become the Body and Blood of Christ for the remission of sins and spiritual life.

When and where

The prayer is recited during every celebration of the Divine Liturgy or Mass, taking place within the Eucharistic Prayer after or around the remembrance of the Last Supper.

Practiced globally in Christian churches, the rite is celebrated in Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Syriac congregations, with historically significant regional forms found in Greece and Egypt.

What Epiclesis means

The epiclesis represents the active descent of the Holy Spirit to sanctify earthly elements into divine mystery. It emphasizes that human celebration depends entirely on divine grace, transforming the gifts for the spiritual nourishment, forgiveness, and eternal life of all who partake.

Questions people ask about Epiclesis

See also

Holy FireA fire ceremony in Jerusalem each year, kept by Orthodox Christians before EasterHamadshaA Moroccan possession rite kept by Muslim fraternities to cure affliction and restore social balance through music and dMevlevi OrderA Sufi tradition from Konya known for its whirling ceremony and devotion to Rumi's teachings.Kol NidreAn Aramaic declaration of vow annulment that opens the Yom Kippur evening service in Jewish synagogues.

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Epiclesis on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• 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.