Symposia

Webster's Dictionary

(pl.) of Symposium

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

( Συμπόσια , Banquets ) is a word occasionally used by ecclesiastical writers to describe the ancient agape (q.v.). These Symposia were held at the graves of the martyrs; and the festival was designed to be, not only a memorial of the deceased, but, according to Origen, "an odor of a sweet smell in the sight of God;" for the poor and needy, the widows and orphans, met together, and were refreshed by the charity of the rich.