In Christian liturgy the term elevation is used to denote the ritual of raising the consecrated elements of bread and wine during the celebration of the Eucharist. The term refers principally to the elevation immediately after the consecration of each element, though see below. The practice was instituted in the thirteenth century [1]. Elevation is observed in Roman Catholic [1] and Anglo-Catholic liturgies. Some Lutheran communities also observe the practice. In Protestant Reformation it was defended by Martin Luther and Gnesio-Lutherans [2]. It is a liturgical expression of the doctrine of Real Presence.
[[Image:Monsignore André+.JPG|thumb|left|Elevation at a modern Novus Ordo Mass]] In the liturgy of the Roman Rite, the observance of most Roman Catholic churches, and in many Anglican churches there are in fact two elevations [1]. The first and most prominent occurs immediately after the consecration of the eucharistic elements.The historical reason for this first elevation was to show the consecrated elements to the congregation so that they might adore the Real Presence. The custom, now liturgical law, coincided with a development of eucharistic theology in the Western churches. The second, or minor elevation, occurs at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer or Canon, as it was formerly known. The Eucharistic Prayer is the principal prayer of the Mass and is the context for the consecration of the eucharistic elements. The final words of the prayer are contained in the Doxology: in English, 'through him (Jesus), with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, Almighty Father, forever and ever.' To this the people respond, 'Amen.' As the celebrant chants or recites the doxology, the host consecrated for his consumption and the chalice are elevated. This elevation is called minor because before the liturgical reform of the Mass (1969), when Mass was generally not celebrated versus populum (toward the people), it was not generally seen by the congregation, and if it were, it was not ostentatious. The minor elevation is more ancient than the principal elevation.
Following a more primitive practice there is traditionally no elevation visible to the congregation concomittent with the Conecration in the churches of the Orthodox communion or in Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope. In many cases it is the custom to enhance the sacredness of the liturgy by shielding parts of it from public view with an iconostasis. There can be a showing of the elements to the people, but this is part of the Communion rites, corresponding chronologically to the Agnus Dei in the Western rites.In any case the term elevation refers properly to churches of the West. Eastern churches have their own terms. Protestant liturgies which emphasis the purely symbolic nature of the eucharist tend to omit the ritual of elevation.
 Elevation of the Host |
 Elevation of the chalice |
References
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