Introduction to a Devout Life: A Timeless Guide to Spiritual Growth

Vintage-first-page-‘Introduction-Devout-Life’-Saint-Francis-de-Sales

Analyzing Saint Francis de Sales’ Classic Work on Personal Holiness and Inner Transformation “Introduction to a Devout Life,” authored by Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) and published by Frederick Pustet & Co. in the early 1920s, stands as a cornerstone text in Christian spirituality. This lexicon entry critically examines the enduring impact and relevance of […]

Narthex | Essential Entryway in Church Architecture

Stunning Dečani narthex view - church-encyclopedia

The narthex, a pivotal element in church architecture, serves as the entrance or lobby area, often preceding the nave in many Christian churches. This architectural feature, with roots stretching back to early Christian and Byzantine buildings, has evolved both in function and form through the centuries. Etymologically, ‘narthex’ traces back to the Greek word ‘narthēx’, […]

Rosary | Devotional Practice and Historical Perspectives

Widow's Rosary - Leandro Bassano's canvas.

The Rosary, a revered tool in Christian devotion, is primarily associated with the Roman Catholic tradition. It serves as an instrument for meditative prayer, focusing on key events in the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The term ‘Rosary’ originates from the Latin ‘rosarium’, meaning ‘crown of roses.’ This metaphorical crown represents the […]

Abia | Key Figure in Biblical Priesthood and Ancestry

Abia, also known as Abijah in the Hebrew Bible, is a figure of significant religious and historical interest. His narrative unfolds in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Chronicles and Kings. While the exact dates of his birth and death remain elusive, Abia’s role as a priestly figure in the lineage of Aaron […]