Consecration

Consecration is the act of solemnly dedicating a person or thing to the service of God. In the Jewish law, rites of this nature are frequently enjoined, the Levites and priests, the tabernacle and altar, &c. being specially dedicated or consecrated to God; and analogous forms occur in most pagan nations. Among Christians the word consecration describes—(1) the ordination of bishops. The Nicene Council (can. 4) requires the ceremony to be performed by not less than three bishops. This rule is maintained by the Church of England. Among Roman Catholics the pope may permit consecration by one bishop and two priests. (2) The hallowing of the elements in the eucharist, by the words of institution according to Roman Catholics and Anglicans; by the invocation of the Holy Spirit according to the Greeks. (3) The dedication of churches; first mentioned by Eusebius, Hist. Eccles. x. 3. The rites, originally very simple, have become long and elaborate in the Church of Rome, though the present form is in substance as old as the Sacramentary of St Gregory. In the English Church the bishop chooses his own form. That most generally used was drawn up by the Anglican episcopate in 1712. In the American Episcopal Church a form was appointed in 1799. (4) The benediction of abbots and abbesses according to forms prescribed in the Roman Pontifical. It is usually performed by a bishop. (5) The consecration of altars, chalices, and patens by the bishop with the chrism or hallowed oil. The consecration of altars is mentioned by councils of the 6th century, that of chalices and patens in the Gregorian Sacramentary.