www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology The Elevation of the Panagia

I was told someone had seen a question as to the origins of the Byzantine monastic ritual known as the Elevation of the Panagia on a web site and thought it was this site, but I don't see any question or response here. For those who are interested in an explanation of the possible origins of this ritual I would recommend that they read my article, "Possible Vestiges of the Afikoman in the Elevation of the Panagia " in Vol 43 of The Greek Orthodox Theological Review (1998). Arvid

Glory to Jesus Christ! Dear Arvid, there is also a very nice explanation of the origins of the Panagia in the Jordanville Horologion in the introduction before the Service of the Panagia.

Dear Diak,

Can the Panaghia be done privately in homes - and, if so, can it be an almost daily occurrence?

sinfully yours,

Alex

Absolutely you could take the Panagia regularly. At some monasteries like Simonapetra on Mt. Athos it is done daily. In our humble household we only have the Panagia as a family devotion for major feastdays. Most days we just take the "Prayers upon entering the Refectory" which are different depending on the meal served (morning or evening).

Dear Diak,

Excellent, my spiritual Father!

I'm now using the Jordanville Horologion all the time.

When my wife sees me walking about with it, she asks me who convinced me about it . . .

I tell her she has you to thank . . .

Alex