Definitions Flashcards
Pax Romana
a Latin phrase referring to the ‘Roman Peace’ that prevailed in the empire during the first two centuries AD. Historians usually date this period from the imperial rule of Augustus (27 BC) to Marcus Aurelius (180 AD)
Monk and Nun
a member of a monastic community who takes strict vows as part of his commitment to that community. The term ‘monk’ literally refers to ‘one who lives alone’
Monastic rule
a set of protocols and regulations governing daily life and organisation of a monastry/abbey
Divine office
the cycle of daily communal devotions in monastic communities, divided into ‘hours’, from early morning until evening
Chi-Ro
a stylised representation of the first two letters of the name of Christ in greek. Superimposed on each other, these two letters formed the basis of a shield insignia and military banner for Constantine’s army
Baptism
a ritual washing either by sprinkling, pouring or immersion in water that signifies a formal initiation into the Christian church community
Ecumenical Council
a meeting of bishops of the entire church community, summoned to discuss matters of church doctrine and practice
Monotheism
belief in and worship of one god
Polytheism
belief in and worship of many gods
Nicene Creed
formal doctrinal statement issued by the Council of Nicae in 325 AD, focusing on the divine nature of Christ as the Son of God
Apostolic Succession
the claim that all popess had a direct line of spiritual authority going right back to the Apostle Peter
Temporal authority
political power affecting all matters of the world
Simony
the practice of buying spiritual or priestly roles in the church
Excommunication
the ultimate spiritual penalty imposed by a Pope, so that the person is denied all access to the spiritual benefits of the church. It was tantamount to be condemned to eternal punishment since the one excommunicated could never receive forgiveness for sin
Lay investiture
the practice whereby earthly rulers appointed bishops
Martyr
a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs
Nero
the 5th emperor of Rome and the last of Rome’s first dynasty, the Julio-Claudians, founded by Augustus (the adopted son of Julius Caesar). Nero is known as one of Rome’s most infamous rulers, notorious for his cruelty and debauchery. He ascended to power in AD 54 aged just 16 and died at 30
Ascetic
a person who adopts a simple lifestyle of self-discipline and self-denial
St Benedict of Nursia
a religious reformer who lived in Italy in the late 400s and early 500s. He is known as the “father of Western monasticism,” having established a Rule that would become the norm for innumerable Christian monks and nuns
The Edict of Milan
proclamation that permanently established religious toleration for Christianity within the Roman Empire. It was the outcome of a political agreement concluded in Mediolanum (modern Milan) between the Roman emperors Constantine I and Licinius in February 313
Pope Gregory VII
head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 22 April 1073 to his death in 1085. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
