Panegyris

Panegyris (from pan, all, and ageiro, to gather) is the great feast day celebration: the gathering of the entire community for the Liturgy of the patron saint. In Greek Orthodox tradition the panegyris is both a solemn liturgical event and a communal celebration: after the Liturgy the community gathers for a meal. The panegyris preserves the ancient connection between liturgy and communal life, mirroring the eschatological banquet of the Kingdom.