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synaxis

synaxis

1 9.9
A religious meeting where people pray together, often to honor a saint
  • noun
  • /sɪˈnæksɪs/
  • Jargon
translation icon : sinaxis
  • The church held a special synaxis to celebrate the miracle performed by the saint revered that day.

Examples

  • On the feast day, the community gathered for the synaxis to honor their patron saint.

  • During the synaxis, the congregation sang hymns and shared prayers in remembrance of the holy figures.

  • The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other

    Blog text (4)
  • Synaxis (Feast) of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers

    Blog text (4)
  • Twenty-five years ago today, we were received into the Orthodox Church on the day of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers.

    Blog text (23)
  • The eighth day of the month was chosen for the Synaxis of all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven since the Day of the Dread Last Judgment is called the Eighth Day by the holy Fathers.

    Blog text (4)

Synonyms

liturgy
vssynaxis
26 8.9

A planned public worship service with fixed prayers and actions

is used mainly in Eastern practice and can honor a saint or icon
prayer service
vssynaxis
8 3.0

A religious meeting where people talk to God and sing songs

is broader, covering formal rites and special commemorations beyond prayer
1 3.7

Religious people meet to pray, sing, and spend time together

is more specific being an Eastern service often with ritual form
Christian liturgy
vssynaxis
7.2

A set way churches use for worship with prayers and hymns

is an Eastern worship gathering often held to honor a saint or icon

Surface Forms

synaxis singular
synaxes plural

Etymology

Synaxis comes from the Greek part syn- meaning 'together' and an old word for 'gathering', so it literally means a 'coming together'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of synagogue or synchronize, which also use syn- for 'together', and a synaxis is therefore a religious coming together or service.