What does the word church mean in Greek?

ecclesia
The word “church” has a complicated history. The oldest word for church, the word that St. Paul himself used, is the Greek word “ecclesia,” from which we get the terms “ecclesial” and “ecclesiastical.” The word was in use centuries before the Christian church appeared on the scene.

When was the term church first used?

As an adjective, “pertaining to a church,” from 1570s.

How did the word church came about?

church, in Christian doctrine, the Christian religious community as a whole, or a body or organization of Christian believers. The Greek word ekklēsia, which came to mean church, was originally applied in the Classical period to an official assembly of citizens.

Why is church called Church?

The English language word “church” is from the Old English word cirice, derived from West Germanic *kirika, which in turn comes from the Greek κυριακή kuriakē, meaning “of the Lord” (possessive form of κύριος kurios “ruler” or “lord”).

How important is the church?

The Church can also play an important role in community cohesion . Christians believe that the Church can be a stabilising force for good in a world that is increasingly unreligious. The Church can support people who are going through difficulties, whatever background they may come from.

Who established the Church?

Origins. According to Catholic tradition, the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ. The New Testament records Jesus’ activities and teaching, his appointment of the twelve Apostles, and his instructions to them to continue his work.

What is the Old English word for church?

The word “church” came to the English language via Old English “circe” or “cirice”, from proto-Germanic “*kirika” (the * means that it is a reconstructed word, i.e. given how other words have changed over time, this is how the word “church” would have been in proto-Germanic).

What are the three meaning of the word church?

Three meanings of the word church are, local community or diocese, community of God’s people gathered around the world, and community of the church. Therefore God made them speak in different languages so they could not understand each other.