Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Epiclesis (invocation)

The prayer, especially in the Eastern liturgies, asking the Father to send the Holy Spirit upon the gifts and the people so that the bread and wine become Christ's body and blood.

Greek epiklesis, 'calling upon'.

No single text; draws on the Spirit's role in making Christ present (John 6:63; 1 Cor 12:3) and on 1 Cor 10:16.

Central to the Eastern understanding of how the elements are changed — by the Spirit in answer to prayer, not by a formula of consecration alone; the West historically located the change at the words of institution.

Ties the Eucharist to the whole Trinity: the Father is asked, the Spirit acts, Christ is given.

East and West have historically differed on the 'moment' of consecration, though modern Catholic rites include an epiclesis.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.