Lectionary Calendar
Friday, April 4th, 2025
the Fourth Week of Lent
There are 16 days til Easter!
Attention!
Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more!

Bible Encyclopedias
Latria

The Catholic Encyclopedia

Search for…
or
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Prev Entry
Latin Literature in Early Christianity
Next Entry
Lauda Sion
Resource Toolbox
Additional Links

Latria (latreia) in classical Greek originally meant "the state of a hired servant" (Aesch., "Prom.", 966), and so service generally. It is used especially for Divine service (Plato, "Apol.", 23 B). In Christian literature it came to have a technical sense for the supreme honour due to His servants, the angels and saints. This latter was styled "dulia". Etymologically, however, there is no reason why latria should be preferred to designate supreme honour; and indeed the two words were often used indiscriminately. The distinction is due to St. Augustine, who says: "Latria . . . ea dicitur servitus quae pertinet ad colendum Deum" (City of God X.1). (See ADORATION; WORSHIP.)

Bibliography Information
Obstat, Nihil. Lafort, Remy, Censor. Entry for 'Latria'. The Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​l/latria.html. Robert Appleton Company. New York. 1914.
 
adsfree-icon
Ads FreeProfile