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panagia

noun pa·na·gia \ ˌpänəˈyē(ˌ)ä \

Definition of panagia

plural -s

1 usually capitalized : a ceremony observed in monasteries of the Eastern Church at the first morning meal in honor of the Virgin Mary in which a loaf on a plate is elevated before being shared among participants

2 : encolpion

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Origin and Etymology of panagia

Late Greek Panagia Virgin Mary, from feminine of Greek panagios all-holy, from pan- + hagios holy

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