Epiklesis (ancient Greek: ἐπίκλησις), also transliterated as epiclesis, mea… Read Full Bio ↴Epiklesis (ancient Greek: ἐπίκλησις), also transliterated as epiclesis, means “invocation”. More specifically, in the Christian religion, it refers to “the part of the Anaphora (Eucharistic Prayer) by which the priest invokes the Holy Spirit (or the power of His blessing) upon the Eucharistic bread and wine in some Christian churches” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiclesis).

Although there are two pieces named “Epiklesis I” and “Epiklesis II” on Paracletus, they are musically unrelated. (Note that some releases simply entitle them both “Epiklesis”.)

Epiklesis I
Deathspell Omega Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"…anyone who
Speaks against the Holy
Either in this age, or in
The age to come"
Matt. 12:32

Come, Thou Sanctifier, almighty and eternal God,
And bless this sacrifice prepared for the glory of Thy Holy Name

Roi Céleste, Consolateur, Espirit de vérité,
Viens et fais en nous ta demeure,
Le double abime, la fosse épouvantable

Let the rivers of paradise recede to their spring
May their sear beds expel desperate drops of anguish
May these bitter waters quench our thirst
Until the last second of the last hour, forevermore

Vestigia null retrorsum

Overall Meaning

Epiklesis I by Deathspell Omega is a song filled with religious allusions and symbols, and in this section, the lyrics refer to a biblical verse from the book of Matthew, where Jesus speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The verse suggests that those who speak against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, neither in this age nor in the age to come. The lyrics, then, serve as an invocation or prayer that calls upon the "Sanctifier, almighty and eternal God," to bless the sacrifice offered for his Holy Name. It is an appeal for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell in the hearts of the believers, to help them fight against evil, and to cleanse them of their sins.

In addition to the reference to the biblical verse, the lyrics also contain elements that symbolize death and suffering. The "double abyss" and the "fearful pit" are metaphors for the hellish depths of despair, where the souls of the damned are trapped. The mention of the "rivers of paradise" that recede to their spring and the "bitter waters" that quench the thirst of the believers suggest that the end is near, and that judgment day, with all its horrors, is fast approaching. The final line, "Vestigia null retrorsum," is a Latin phrase that means "no turning back," which underscores the finality of the faithful's decision to follow the path of righteousness.

Line by Line Meaning

Come, Thou Sanctifier, almighty and eternal God,
Oh, ruiner of sin, maker of life, come and bless the offering that we have prepared in your honor.

And bless this sacrifice prepared for the glory of Thy Holy Name
Accept and sanctify the offerings we have made in your holy name.

Roi Céleste, Consolateur, Espirit de vérité,
Divine King, Comforter, Spirit of truth,

Viens et fais en nous ta demeure,
Enter our bodies and make your dwelling within us.

Le double abime, la fosse épouvantable
Descend into the depths of our fears and sorrows.

Let the rivers of paradise recede to their spring
May the joys of heaven be withdrawn and returned to their source.

May their sear beds expel desperate drops of anguish
May the very depths of heaven reject and cast out any pain and misery.

May these bitter waters quench our thirst
May the sorrows and hardships we experience satisfy our thirst for righteousness.

Until the last second of the last hour, forevermore
May we continue to find strength and nourishment from our hardships, and may this continue for eternity.

Vestigia null retrorsum
No turning back.

Contributed by Alexandra K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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