Genuflectentes
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [1]
Γονυκλίνοντες , Kneelers, a class of penitents in the ancient church; also called Pro strati, prostraters, because they were allowed to stay after the hearers were dismissed, and to join in certain prayers particularly offered for them while they knelt. Forms of prayer, prepared for such occasions, are to be found in the Apostolical Constitutions (lib. 8, cap. 8); also in Chrysostom (Hoan. 18 in 2 Cor.). The station of this class was within the nave or body of the church, near the Ambo or reading-desk, where they received the bishop's benediction, and imposition of hands. Some canons call these The penitents, by way of nemphasis, without any other distinction, because they were most noted, and the greatest number of penitential acts were performed by them whilst they were in this station. — Bingham, Orig. Eccl. book 10, chapter 2, § 4, and 18, chapter 1, § 5.
