A church dictionary

by Walter Farquhar Hook

One of their most detestable maxims was, not to give alms to the poor, that they might not contribute to the support of creatures who were the work of the bad god.

The sect of the Paulicians did not spread much till the reign of the emperor Nicephorus, who began to reign in 801. The protection of this prince drew great numbers to their party. But the empress Theodora, regent during the minority of Michel, published an edict, obliging them to follow the Catholic faith, or to depart out of the empire. Many of them chose rather to suffer death than to obey; and several, who lay concealed, afterwards took up arms against the emperor Basil, the Macedonian.

PAX. A small tablet of silver, or some fit material, often very elaborately ornamented, by means of which the kiss of peace was, in the mediæval Church, circulated through the congregation. It was introduced when the primitive kiss of peace, which used to circulate throughout the Christian assemblies, was discontinued on account of some appearance of scandal which had grown out of it. In the place of this, a small tablet of silver or ivory, or some appropriate material, having first received the kiss of the priest, was presented by him to the deacon, and by him again to the people, by all of whom it was kissed in order; thus receiving and transmitting from each to all the symbol of Christian love and unity, without any possibility of offence.

In the Syrian churches, the following seems to be the way in which the same thing is symbolized. In a part of the prayers, which has a reference to the birth of Christ, on pronouncing the words “Peace on earth, good will towards men,” the attending ministers take the officiating priest’s right hand between both their hands, and so pass the peace to the congregation, each of whom takes his neighbour’s right hand, and salutes him with the word peace. In the Romish Church the Pax is still used. By the Church of England it was omitted at the Reformation as a useless ceremony. Though the pax as an ornament is found among the ornaments of the altar, preserved in many churches after the Reformation.—See Hiereugia Anglicana.

PAX VOBISCUM. (Lat.) In English, “Peace be with you.” A form of salutation frequently made use of in the offices of the ancient Christian Church.

First, It was usual for the bishop to salute the people, in this form, at his first entrance into the church. This is often mentioned by St. Chrysostom, who derives it from apostolical practice.

Secondly, The reader began the reading of the lessons with this form. St. Cyprian plainly alludes to this, when, speaking of a new reader, whom he had ordained to that office, he says, Auspicatus est Pacem, dum dedicat lectionem; he began to use the salutation, Peace be with you, when he first began to read. The third Council of Carthage took away this privilege from the readers, and gave it to the deacons, or other superior ministers of the church.

Thirdly, In many places, the sermon was introduced with this form of salutation, and often ended with it.

Fourthly, It was always used at the consecration of the eucharist: and,

Lastly, At the dismission of the congregation. And, whenever it was said by the officiating minister, the people always answered, And with thy spirit.