The name given by the Greek Church to the Epistle of the Divine Liturgy, which is invariably of Apostolic origin and never taken, as sometimes happens in the Roman Rite, from the Old Testament.

The word itself in its etymological sense, signifies the desertion of a post, the giving up of a state of life; he who voluntarily embraces a definite state of life cannot leave it, therefore, without becoming an apostate.

An educator and theologian, born at San Martino dell'Argine, province of Mantua, Italy, 20 Nov., 1791; died 14 Nov., 1858, at Turin.

Sayings of the Fathers of the Desert.

A dismissal prayer or hymn said or sung at the end of the Greek Mass and at other times during Matins and Vespers.

The dismissal blessing said by the Greek priest at the end of the Mass, Matins, or Vespers.

A theological science which has for its purpose the explanation and defence of the Christian religion.

Anti-Montanist Greek ecclesiastical writer, between 180 and 210.

A virgin, possibly ordained, martyr at Alexandria in late 248 or early 249.

A first-century martyr, the bishop of Ravenna.

Born in Vienne, became bishop of Valence, was exiled to Sardinia, d. 520.

Second-century bishop of Hierapolis, apologist.

A Christian grammarian of the fourth century, first at Berytus in Phoenicia, then at Laodicea in Syria.

Fourth-century Christological heresy propounded by Apollinaris of Laodicea. The theory that Jesus had a human body and soul, but that the Logos took the place of the human spirit or mind in Jesus. Solemnly condemned at the Council of Constantinople in 381.

For several days after a great feast the celebrant turns back to certain prayers of the feast and repeats them in commemoration of it. The last day of such repetition of the prayers of the previous feast is called the apodosis.

A long article with a comments on each Apocryphal book. Classified according to origin.

Indicates in general the ecclesiastical envoys of Christian antiquity, whether permanent or sent temporarily on missions to high ecclesiastical authorities or royal courts.

A name given in the history of theology to the doctrine which teaches that a time will come when all free creatures will share in the grace of salvation; in a special way, the devils and lost souls.

The name given to the last book in the Bible, also called the Book of Revelation.

A priest of the diocese of Sicca, in proconsular Africa.

Wrter born of pagan parents during the last half of the third century.

Martyred in about 306 at the age of 18.

Founder of a Gnostic sect; died at an advanced age late in the second century.