HOLY ORDERS Meaning and
Definition
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Holy orders is a term that refers to the sacrament in the Catholic Church through which individuals receive the authority and power to serve as bishops, priests, or deacons. It is considered one of the seven sacraments in Catholicism. The concept of holy orders is deeply rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ entrusted certain individuals with the task of preserving and propagating his teachings and ministering to the faithful.
The sacrament of holy orders involves the laying on of hands by a bishop, who acts as the successor of the apostles, following the tradition dating back to the early Christian Church. Through this act, the recipient is formally ordained and receives the gifts and graces necessary to perform their respective roles within the Church. Bishops receive the fullness of holy orders and are responsible for governing the Church and overseeing the administration of other sacraments. Priests, on the other hand, are ordained to sacramental ministry, presiding over the Eucharistic celebration and offering spiritual guidance to the faithful. Deacons are ordained to serve the Church and perform charitable works.
Holy orders, in its essence, is an act of consecration and dedication to God, as individuals are called and chosen to serve in various capacities within the Church. It is a sacred rite that emphasizes the transmission of divine authority and the continuation of Apostolic succession. The sacrament of holy orders plays a pivotal role in the functioning and structure of the Catholic Church, ensuring the continuity of religious leadership and spiritual guidance for the faithful.
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In Episcopal Churches, the several ranks of the ministry.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HOLY ORDERS
- goly orders
- boly orders
- noly orders
- joly orders
- uoly orders
- yoly orders
- hily orders
- hkly orders
- hlly orders
- hply orders
- h0ly orders
- h9ly orders
- hoky orders
- hopy orders
- hooy orders
- holt orders
- holg orders
- holh orders
- holu orders
Etymology of HOLY ORDERS
The term "holy orders" (Latin: sacri ordines) has its roots in medieval Latin and has been used in Christian theological language since ancient times. The word "order" refers to a group or organization with a specific purpose or task, and "holy" denotes the sacred or divine nature of that group.
The etymology of "order" comes from the Latin word "ordo", which meant "a row, line, rank, or series". In the context of the Christian Church, "order" represents the various ranks or levels of clergy within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. These ranks are intended to provide spiritual guidance, administer sacraments, and lead the faithful.
The word "holy" originates from the Old English word "halig" or "hālig", which meant "dedicated to the divine or set apart for religious purposes".
Idioms with the word HOLY ORDERS
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take holy orders
The idiom "take holy orders" refers to the act of becoming a member of the clergy, typically through a formal religious ceremony or ritual. It most commonly applies to individuals entering the priesthood or becoming ordained ministers.
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be in holy orders
The idiom "be in holy orders" refers to someone who is a member of the clergy or has been ordained as a religious minister, often specifically referring to the Catholic priesthood or other ordained religious positions. It implies that the person has taken religious vows and is devoted to their religious duties and service.
Similar spelling word for HOLY ORDERS
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