Panagia

[ pah-nah-yee-ah ]

noun

, Eastern Church.

, plural Pa·na·gi·as

1. a ceremony in a monastery, commemorating the assumption of the Virgin Mary, in which a loaf of bread on a plate is elevated before being distributed to the monks.
2. (lowercase) an encolpion bearing the image of the Virgin Mary.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Panagia¹

1680–90; < Late Greek Panágia the Virgin, feminine of Greek panágios all-holy, equivalent to pan- pan- + hágios holy

Example Sentences

The retirement of the hordes at sight of the Panagia on the wall was by Mahommed's order.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever the form, it were not becoming to stand between the Panagia and the enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

The panagia or pyx worn by a bishop, or higher prelate, is often an exquisite piece of jewelry.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the very timid took heart, and went about thanking God and the Panagia Blachernitissa.

From Project Gutenberg

At the foot of the steps the singers turned aside to allow the Panagia to go first.

From Project Gutenberg