Ch. Hist. Pl. synaxes. [eccl. L., a. eccl. Gr. σύναξις, f. συνάγειν to gather together.] A meeting for worship, especially for celebration of the Eucharist.
1624. J. Fisher, Answ. Nine Points Controv. (1625), 235. The whole Church, represented by the Synaxis, or Ecclesiasticall meeting of euery Christian parish.
a. 1638. Mede, Wks. (1672), 364. Who knows not that the Synaxis of the ancient Christians consisted of these three parts, Of hearing the Word of God, of Prayers, and Commemoration of Christ in the Eucharist?
1642. Jer. Taylor, Episc., xxxvii. (1647), 255. If they will celebrate Synaxes privately, it must be by a Priest, and he must be there by leave of the Bishop.
1682. G. Vernon, Life Heylin, 147. Our Divine built a private Oratory, where he had frequency of Synaxes.
a. 1773. A. Butler, Feasts & Fasts, VI. iv. (1839), 215. Theodorus Lector says, Timotheus … first ordered the creed to be recited … at every Synaxis.
1872. Morley, Voltaire, v. 244. What was the difference between the synaxis and the mass?
1872. W. E. Scudamore, Notitia Eucharistica, I. i. (1876), 26. This name of Synaxis was given especially to those more solemn assemblies at which the Sacrament was celebrated.
