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epiclesis

noun, often capitalized
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ep·​i·​cle·​sis
variants: or epiklesis \ ˌepəˈklēsə̇s \
plural epicleses or epikleses\ -​ēˌsēz \

Definition of epiclesis

: a liturgical invocation of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of consecrating the eucharistic elements found particularly in Eastern liturgies where it follows the words of institution and is regarded as the point at which the eucharistic bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ

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History and Etymology for epiclesis

Late Greek epiklēsis, from Greek, surname, title, invocation, from epikalein to summon, invoke, call by a surname (from epi- + kalein to summon) + -ēsis -esis

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Cite this Entry

“Epiclesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiclesis. Accessed 6 Jul. 2022.

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