From Gk. anapherō (lift up, lead back), “anaphora” strictly denotes relation, connection, reference, report, appeal, and, in theological usage, offering or sacrifice (cf. Heb. 7:27; 13:15). It is thus used to bring out the meaning of the eucharistic action (Eucharist). This is the offering of a sacrifice (§3) in reflection of the original sacrifice, the unique sacrifice ¶ of Christ (Heb. 10:12), which finds representation in the eucharistic celebration.

In a narrower liturgical sense the Anaphora is the core of Eastern liturgies, corresponding to the canon (canon actionis) …