Number 1000
Symbolizes a long period, particularly the "millennium" in which Christ reigns with his saints (Revelation 20:1-6).
Three Main Branches of Christianity
Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism, each with distinct beliefs and practices.
Four Marks of the Church
One (unity), Holy (set apart), Catholic (universal), Apostolic (continuity with apostles).
Five Patriarchs/Metropolitan Sees
Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, ancient centers of Christianity.
Acts of the Apostles
Fifth book of the New Testament detailing early Church history and apostolic missions.
Ananias and Sapphira
Couple in Acts 5 struck dead for lying about their donation to the apostles.
Anglicanism
Emerged from the English Reformation, balancing Protestant reforms and Catholic traditions.
Antioch
Early Christian center where the term "Christian" was first used (Acts 11:26).
Apostles
Twelve chief disciples of Jesus sent to preach the Gospel.
Apostolate
Mission or duties of apostles or evangelizing communities.
Arius/Arianism
Early heretic teaching Jesus was created, leading to the Arian controversy at the Council of Nicaea.
Ascension
Jesus rising into heaven 40 days after resurrection (Acts 1:9-11).
Assumption
Belief, especially in Catholicism, that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven.
Avignon Papacy
Period when Popes resided in Avignon, France, from 1309 to 1377.
Caesar
Title used by Roman emperors, referenced in the New Testament.
Calvinism
Protestant theology emphasizing predestination and God's sovereignty.
Catholic
Universal term referring to the global Christian Church.
Charism/Spirituality
Gifts from the Holy Spirit for the Church's benefit; diverse spiritual practices.
Charlemagne
Frankish king crowned Emperor in 800 AD, supporting Church and education.
Church
Community of Christian believers known as the Body of Christ.
Clergy
Ordained Church leaders like bishops, priests, and deacons.
Commissioning of Disciples
Sending forth of Jesus' followers to preach and baptize (Matthew 28:19-20).
Constantine
Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity and granted religious tolerance.
Constitutions
Authoritative Church documents often issued by councils.
Consubstantial/(Homoousios)
Term affirming Christ's divinity in the Nicene Creed.
Cornelius
Roman centurion's conversion in Acts 10, showing Gentile inclusion in the Church.
Council of Jerusalem
Early Christian council deciding Gentiles need not follow Jewish law.
Council of Nicea
First ecumenical council in 325 AD addressing Arianism and producing the Nicene Creed.
Council of Trent
Ecumenical council (1545-1563) clarifying Catholic doctrine.
Creed
Formal statement of Christian beliefs like the Nicene Creed.
Damascus
City where Paul converted to Christianity (Acts 9).
Deacon
Ordained minister assisting bishops and priests.
Destruction of the Temple
Second Temple's destruction in 70 AD, significant in Christian and Jewish history.
Deposit of Faith
Revealed truth in Scriptures and Tradition entrusted to the Church.
Diocese
District under a bishop's care in the Christian Church.
Disciple
Follower of Jesus, especially the twelve apostles.
Doctrine
Official Church teachings.
Dogmatic Constitutions
Authoritative documents defining doctrine from councils.
Donatism
Heresy linking sacraments' validity to clergy's moral character.
Eastern vs
Division influencing Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.
Eastern Orthodox
Branch known for liturgy and theology, rooted in the Eastern Roman Empire.
Ecumenical Council
Assembly settling Church matters universally.
Edict of Milan
Constantine's 313 AD proclamation granting religious tolerance.
Edict of Thessalonica
380 AD decree making Christianity the state religion.
Edict of Toleration
Decrees granting religious freedom.
Encyclical
Papal letter addressing doctrinal or social issues.
Enlightenment
Movement valuing reason over tradition, impacting religion and society.
Essenes
Ascetic Jewish sect during the Second Temple period.
Eucharist
Sacrament commemorating the Last Supper.
Excommunication
Formal exclusion from Church sacraments.
Filioque
Addition to the Nicene Creed contributing