Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fixed set of ceremonies, words, and actions used in public religious worship: A formal, prescribed ritual or form of public worship, especially in Christian traditions.
   • The sacrament of the Eucharist; Holy Communion: Specifically, in Christian contexts, it can refer to the celebration of the Eucharist, commemorating the Last Supper.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The priest followed the ancient liturgy of the church.
  • The congregation participated actively in the Sunday morning liturgy.
  • The book contains the complete liturgy for the Easter service.

Advanced Usage

• "The Liturgy of the Hours": Also known as the Divine Office, this is the set of daily prayers prescribed in the Catholic Church.

  • Monks gather several times a day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

• "Liturgical year": The cycle of seasons and feasts observed in a Christian church calendar.

  • Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many Western churches.

Variants and Related Words

• Liturgical (adj): Pertaining to liturgy or public worship.

  • The choir sang traditional liturgical music.

• Liturgist (n): A person who is an expert in or leads liturgical ceremonies.

  • The liturgist prepared the readings for the mass.

Synonyms

• Rite: A religious or other solemn ceremony or act.
• Ritual: A prescribed order for performing a ceremony.
• Service: A formal religious ceremony, especially in a church.
• Eucharist: The Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper.

Related Phrases

• To celebrate the liturgy: To conduct or perform the liturgical service.
  • The bishop will celebrate the liturgy at the cathedral.

Related Idioms

• "The work of the people": This is a historical meaning of the Greek origin of "liturgy" (), implying public service or work done for the community, which evolved to mean public worship.
  • In its original sense, liturgy was seen as the work of the people for the common good.

Noun

1. a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
2. a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine