LAY BROTHERS Meaning and
Definition
-
Lay brothers refer to individuals within various religious orders who participate in the religious community without being ordained as priests. This term is primarily used in Christianity, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Lay brothers typically take religious vows, such as celibacy, poverty, and obedience, but they do not receive the sacrament of Holy Orders that is required for priesthood. These individuals are often involved in the practical aspects of the religious community, including manual labor, maintenance work, cooking, farming, or other roles that support the needs of the religious order.
While lay brothers do not have the authority to perform sacraments or lead religious services like priests, they play an important role in the overall functioning of the community. They are seen as equal members of the religious order, dedicating their lives to serve God and their fellow brothers. Lay brothers often live together in a communal setting, sharing their lives in simplicity and solidarity with the other members of the religious community.
The concept of lay brothers can also extend beyond Christianity to other religious traditions. In Buddhism, for instance, lay brothers may refer to devoted male practitioners who are not ordained monks but live a life dedicated to Buddhist teachings and observances.
Overall, lay brothers are individuals who commit themselves to a religious order or community, live by its principles and values, and contribute to its work and service, while not being ordained as priests or holding similar clergy positions.
Common Misspellings for LAY BROTHERS
- kay brothers
- pay brothers
- oay brothers
- lzy brothers
- lsy brothers
- lwy brothers
- lqy brothers
- lat brothers
- lag brothers
- lah brothers
- lau brothers
- la7 brothers
- la6 brothers
- lay vrothers
- lay nrothers
- lay hrothers
- lay grothers
- lay beothers
- lay bdothers
- lay bfothers
Etymology of LAY BROTHERS
The word lay originated from the Old English word lecgan, meaning to put or to place. In the context of lay brothers, the term lay refers to individuals who are not ordained clergy but are affiliated with a religious order or community. The term brothers refers to the fact that these individuals are members of a male religious community or order, often living in a community setting and participating in the work and life of the religious institution. Thus, lay brothers can be understood to mean non-ordained male members of a religious community or order.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
