Church in Britain Flashcards
What did Pope Gregory the Great send?
40 Benedictine monks from Rome to preach to the English
Why were the monks adamant to preach to the English?
When they reached France they had heard so much about the English and how fierce they were, that they wanted to go back home to Rome
Why did the Pope ask the group to continue on their mission?
They would have a greater reward in heaven because of this difficult task they have been asked to do
When did the monks arrive in England?
597 AD, as well as some French priests
Who welcomed Augustine and his group?
By the English King, Ethelbert
Who was already a Christian and who was baptised?
Ethelbert’s wife, Bertha and soon after Ethelbert was baptised
What was Augustine made?
The Archbishop of the English and the owner of his see in Canterbury
What are cathedrals?
Special church buildings
What is the bishop’s seat?
A large chair that is often carved in wood
When does the bishop sit on his seat?
When he conducts a service in the cathedral
What is the history behind the bishop’s seat?
It is a practice that goes back centuries to a time when the bishop always sat directly behind the altar
What are cathedrals like?
They are large, magnificent and awe-inspiring
What was the benefit of the cathedrals being built?
It provided opportunities for craftsmen to use their skills to build a monument for the glory of God and was usually their lifetime’s work
What was the nave and its purpose?
A long passage-way down the centre of the cathedral which traders used to sell their goods and was not considered degrading against the ‘house of God’
What is a rood screen?
A screen used to separate business from worship to keep the altar area holy
What is a rood and why is it important?
A cross, which is the main symbol of the Christian religion because of its link with the death of Jesus
Why are some new cathedrals round or semi-circular?
So that it allows people to feel closely involved in the worship since, wherever they are sitting, they are not far from the altar
What is the altar?
The holiest part of the church, that usually stands in front of the east wall
Where does the priest stand?
Behind the altar when he conducts the Eucharist or Holy Communion
Why do people face east towards the altar?
This is where the sun rises, which is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
What and why are pulpits important?
- It is where the priest preaches the sermon
- It is a raised platform so that everyone can see and hear what they are saying
What is the font?
It usually stands just outside the door of the church, and is a stone or wooden bowl which holds the water for infant baptism