Thyranoixia: (Greek "Θυρανοίξια" literally "opening of the doors") is the dedication of a church upon its completion. The bishop performs the hagiasmos (ἁγιασμός) ceremony and says prayers in reference to the new building. It is followed by the consecration of the church [also called the encainia (εγκαίνια)]. The consecration of a church is a complex service that is filled with profound symbolisms. Many biblical elements are taken from the Old Testament: the Consecration of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40) and of the Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5-7).
I've been following the construction of a church in London dedicated to Saint Panteleimon for some months now and last Saturday they held the Thyranoixia service. If you're interested in seeing a church built from the ground up I encourage you to visit the site here. Also, if you'd like more information on the service of consecration itself, the Greek Archdiocese has the text online here.
 |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment