Words that Hold Us- Part 4: Come, O Holy Spirit: The prayer of the invocation of the Holy Spirit
Aug 5, 2025 • Fr Mark Aziz
In this deep and Spirit-filled message, Fr. Mark Aziz opens our eyes to the profound power of the Epiclesis—the invocation of the Holy Spirit—in the Divine Liturgy.
This hidden gem of a prayer, often prayed silently, calls down the Holy Spirit not just on the bread and wine, but on us, the people. Fr. Mark calls it the prayer of double miracles:
The Holy Spirit descends on the congregation, sanctifying sinners and making them holy.
The Holy Spirit descends on the offerings, transforming them into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Fr. Mark explains that every time we come to the altar in humility, admitting we are sinners, we leave justified, sanctified, and united to Christ. We become part of the one body—across time, space, and eternity—where heaven and earth meet in the Liturgy.
He challenges us not to overlook the eternal power of the Eucharist, and reminds us: we are not just attending liturgy, we are entering into Christ’s timeless, life-giving work.
This hidden gem of a prayer, often prayed silently, calls down the Holy Spirit not just on the bread and wine, but on us, the people. Fr. Mark calls it the prayer of double miracles:
The Holy Spirit descends on the congregation, sanctifying sinners and making them holy.
The Holy Spirit descends on the offerings, transforming them into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Fr. Mark explains that every time we come to the altar in humility, admitting we are sinners, we leave justified, sanctified, and united to Christ. We become part of the one body—across time, space, and eternity—where heaven and earth meet in the Liturgy.
He challenges us not to overlook the eternal power of the Eucharist, and reminds us: we are not just attending liturgy, we are entering into Christ’s timeless, life-giving work.