Panagia

JEFFREY B. PETTIS

The word Panagia is the Greek term (feminine form) for “She who is all holy.” In common Orthodox usage today, Panagia is the most common title of honor for the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. The word Panagia may also refer to the medallion icon of the Virgin that a bishop wears on his breast (enkolpion), or to the ritual blessing of a loaf bearing a stamped icon of the Virgin, usually held on feast days in monasteries.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

Langford-James, R. (ed.) (1975) A Dictionary of the Eastern Orthodox Church. New York: Burt Franklin.

Litsas, F. (1984) A Companion to the Greek Orthodox Church. New York: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Zernov, N. (1961) Eastern Christianity: A Study of the Origin and Development of the Eastern Orthodox Church. New York: Putnam’s Sons.