Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Orientation of Churches According to Tertullian the Christians of his time were, by some who concerned themselves with their form of worship, believed to votaries of the sun. This supposition, he adds, doubtless arose from the Christian practice of turning to the east when praying (Apol., c. xvi). Speaking of churches the same writer tells … Continue reading “Orientation of Churches”

orientation The practise of turning toward the east in prayer, a pagan custom adopted by the early Christians who attached to it a new significance, for the East was man’s original home, in the East Christ lived on earth, and from the East He will come to judge mankind. Accordingly, they built their churches in … Continue reading “Orientation”

Oriental Study and Research In the broadest sense of the term, Oriental study comprises the scientific investigation and discussion of all topics–linguistics, archæology, ethnology, etc.–connected with the East, in particular, the discovery and interpretation of Eastern literary and archæological remains. So vast is the subject that it has of a necessity been divided into many … Continue reading “Oriental Study and Research”

Oriental Philosophy is an ancient system seeking to explain the nature and origin of all things by the principle of emanation from an eternal fountain of being. SEE MAGI. Those who professed to believe the Oriental philosophy were divided into three leading sects, which were subdivided into others. Some imagined two eternal principles, from whence … Continue reading “Oriental Philosophy”

Oriental Liturgy SEE LITURGY. Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Oriental Literature And Languages is the common designation for the languages and literatures of all the peoples of Asia, as well as of those of Moslem Africa and Europe. Even during the Middle Ages the attention of European savants was turned towards the Oriental languages, especially the Arabic, and this for two main reasons. In … Continue reading “Oriental Literature And Languages”

Oriental Languages SEE SHEMITIC LANGUAGES. Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Oriental Churches SEE EASTERN CHURCH; SEE RUSSO-GREEK CHURCH. Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Oriental Church, Congregation for the Deals with all matters concerning persons, discipline and rites of the Eastern Church, and questions arising from the relations with the Latin Church. This congregation has the same faculties for the Eastern Church which the other congregations, with the exception of the Holy Office, have in their various jurisdictions. Fuente: … Continue reading “Oriental Church, Congregation for the”

Orient ST., a Roman Catholic prelate, was born at Huesca, on the frontier of Aragon, near the middle of the 4th century. After the death of his parents, who were wealthy, he gave all his goods to the poor, and lived a time as a hermit in the valley of Lavedan. His reputation caused him, … Continue reading “Orient”