The Epiklesis

In all Eastern liturgies, the Consecration is followed by the Epiklesis, or Invocation, in which the Holy Spirit is asked to descend upon the gifts.

• The mystery of the Holy Sacrifice is believed to be completed and perfected by the action of the Holy Spirit.
• Just as the Holy Spirit came to us as a result of the Resurrection of Christ, so now the Holy Spirit is present, communicating His grace and filling the hearts of the people.
• This moment serves as a reminder that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit.

During the Epiklesis, the priest waves his hands over the gifts in a fluttering motion, signifying the descent of the Holy Spirit. The words, unique to the Syrian Liturgy, “Hear me, Lord,” repeated three times, evoke the story of Elijah bringing down fire from heaven on the sacrifice he had prepared (1 Kings 18:37).

Previous | Next