Ecclesia (Church) facts for kids
Ecclesia is a special word used in Christianity. It comes from the Greek word "ekklesia," which means "to call out" or "an assembly." In Christian faith, "Ecclesia" means two things:
- A group of believers in one place.
- All Christians everywhere, both living and those who have passed away.
It's another way to talk about the Church.
Contents
What the Church Means to Christians
When Christians talk about the "Church," they often mean more than just a building. They mean all the people who believe in Jesus Christ. This includes people alive today and those who have lived before.
Different Parts of the Church
Some Christian groups describe the Church in different parts:
- The Church Militant: These are Christians who are alive on Earth right now. They are "militant" because they are working to spread their faith.
- The Church Triumphant: These are Christians who are in Heaven. They have finished their journey on Earth.
- The Church Suffering: In Catholic belief, these are Christians who are in purgatory. Purgatory is a place where souls are purified before going to Heaven.
The Family as a Church
The Christian family is also very important. It is sometimes called the domestic Church. This means that the family is the first place where children learn about faith and Christian life. It's like a small church within the home.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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Medieval illustration of the ecclesia from the Hortus deliciarum of Herrad of Landsberg (12th century)
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An Eastern icon depicting the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The date of Pentecost is considered the "Birthday of the Church".
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An icon depicting Constantine I, accompanied by the bishops of the First Council of Nicaea (325), holding the Niceno–Constantinopolitan Creed of 381.
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Founded in AD 363, Mar Mattai Monastery, a Nestorian Church, is recognized as one of the oldest Christian monasteries in existence.
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St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt.
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The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. –Augsburg Confession
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The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, depicting Jesus with his twelve Apostles
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St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the largest church building in the world today.
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" ... one holy Church is to continue forever. The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered." – Augsburg Confession
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Methodist preachers are known for promulgating the doctrines of the new birth and entire sanctification to the public at events such as tent revivals and camp meetings, which they believe is the reason that God raised them up into existence.
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