Zeon (Greek:ζέον "boiling", "fervor") is aliturgical action which takes place in theDivine Liturgy of theRite of Constantinople, during which hot water is added to thechalice.
The historical beginnings of theritual are unknown; however, it is clearly of ancient origin.[1] The practice of drinking wine mixed with water existed already in Ancient Greece. Drinking wine unmixed was uncommon, and was signaled as such. The Sephardi Hebrews had the practice of meziga (mixing) the Kiddush wine with water.[citation needed] The Christian Orthodox and Sephardic customs may share the same Oriental origin.[original research?]
Immediately following thefraction, thealtar server hands thedeacon a vessel of hot water. The deacon presents it to thepriest and says, "Bless, Master, the hot water." The priestblesses it with his right hand saying, "Blessed is the fervor of Thy saints, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen." The deacon pours a portion of the hot water into the chalice, making theSign of the Cross with the water, as he says, "The fervor of faith, full of theHoly Spirit."[2] Symbolically, the warm water represents the water which flowed from the side ofJesus at the time of theCrucifixion; and also the Christian belief that theBody of Christ is life-giving. Orthodox Christians believe that they partake of theResurrected Body andBlood of Christ,[3] and the warmth of the chalice is a reminder of thatdoctrine.
The same term is used as anoun to describe the vessel used for this purpose. The type of vessel used differs depending upon whether theGreek orSlavicRite is used. In the Greek practice, the zeon vessel tends to be shaped like a very smallewer set on a tiny plate. The Slavic practice, by contrast, uses a larger vessel shaped like a cup with a flat handle, set on a somewhat larger plate. Both traditions use enough to heat the entire chalice.