Azymes facts for kids

"Azymes" is an old English word for matzah, which is a type of unleavened bread. Unleavened bread means it's made without yeast, so it doesn't rise. The word "azymes" comes from the ancient Greek word ázymos, meaning "unleavened."

Today, people usually just say "unleavened bread" or "matzah." But you might still hear words similar to "azymes" in other languages, like "pan ácimo" in Spanish or "pain azyme" in French. This old word was often used in early English Bibles, like the Douay–Rheims Bible, to talk about unleavened bread mentioned in the Bible.

What is Unleavened Bread?

Unleavened bread is bread made without any leavening agents, like yeast or baking soda. This means the dough doesn't puff up or become airy. Instead, it stays flat and often becomes crispy when baked.

Matzah: A Famous Unleavened Bread

One of the most well-known types of unleavened bread is matzah. Matzah is a flatbread eaten by Jewish people during the holiday of Passover. It reminds them of how their ancestors left Egypt in a hurry and didn't have time for their bread to rise.

Why is Unleavened Bread Important?

Unleavened bread has been important in many cultures and religions for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was common because it was simple to make quickly. It also holds special meaning in religious ceremonies, symbolizing purity or a quick departure.

The Great Schism and Unleavened Bread

For a long time, Christians in the East and West used different types of bread for a special church service called the Eucharist. This service is also known as Communion.

What is the Eucharist?

The Eucharist is a very important ceremony in Christianity. During this service, Christians share bread and wine. They believe this act connects them to Jesus Christ and his last supper with his followers.

Azymite: A Term of Disagreement

In the past, Christians in the Byzantine Rite (mostly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East) used a word called "azymite" to describe Roman Rite Christians (mostly in Western Europe). This word was not meant to be kind. It was used because Western Christians used unleavened bread for the Eucharist, while Eastern Christians used leavened bread (bread that had risen).

The Big Split in Christianity

This difference in bread might seem small, but it became a big deal. It was one of many disagreements between the Eastern and Western parts of the Christian Church. These arguments were about both how church services should be done (liturgy) and deeper beliefs (theology). Eventually, these disagreements led to a major split in 1054. This event is known as the East–West Schism, or the Great Schism. It divided Christianity into two main branches: the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.