What is the anaphora, and what does it consist of?

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In Christianity, there are many concepts that the common man is very difficult to make out.So, trying to figure out what the anaphora, many people confuse it with a similar pronunciation of the word "anathema".But this is quite different words, which differ in the root and meaning.So, what is the Anaphora?What are its characteristics?

What anaphora?

This term refers to a special kind of prayer, which still have the name "Eucharistic".From the Greek "anaphora" means "an offering".In fact, this part of the liturgy of the Christians, which takes place in the main action.She is one of the oldest and the most important among the other prayers.During the anaphora or prelozhenie held transubstantiation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.

main part of anaphora

understand what the anaphora is possible only if you understand its general terms.Why common?Because it has a variety of Christian liturgical rites.But while all of them can be identified common parts.

first part - it is the entry dialog, which consists of shouts the priest, as well as the responses of the people.The second part - Preface, that is, the introduction - is the initial prayer, which in itself contains praise and thanksgiving to God.As a rule, it is a reference to the Father-God and are usually preceded by Sanctus remembrance service to the saints and angelic ministry.Sanctus is the third part, which is a hymn "Holy, holy ..."."Sutanovlenie and anamnesis" - fourth of anaphora - remembrance of the Last Supper, in which Christ's words spoken taynoustanovitelnye memories and economy of salvation.The fifth part - Epiclesis - this invocation to the gifts of the Holy Spirit or another prayer, which includes a request that the gifts were sanctified.Intercession is the next stage of anaphora.It recited prayers, intercession for all the dead and the living, the Church and for the world.At the same time it reminded Mother of God and all the saints.

Types of anaphora in Christian and other religious services

doxology is the final part of glorification.That's what the anaphora, and what it is made.Various Anaphora may contain different order of these parts.So, if we arbitrarily designate the preface of the letter P, Sanctus - S, anamnesis - A epiclesis - E and intercession - J, the different anaphora can be divided into those of the formula:

  • Alexandrian or Coptic - PJSAE.
  • Armenian - PSAEJ.
  • Chaldean (East Syrian) - PSAJE.
  • Roman anaphora can be isolated in two versions - PSEJAJ and PSEJAEJ.The first contains two intercession, and the second - and even the second, who was involved Epiclesis.However, to give a better definition might anaphora forum.

little history

earliest anaphora scientists refer to the second-third century, although there is speculation that the very first Christians it was used in worship.At first, her words were not recorded, but eventually selected the best of the anaphora.In the Latin liturgy developed, except for the traditional Roman anaphora, also the second of the tradition of Hippolytus of Rome, the West-Syrian and the anaphora of St. Basil the Great.Western anaphora have a great variability, which depends on the celebrations, day of the week and other factors.Because the definition of anaphora is only common features.