Ostiary (Noun)
Meaning 1
The lowest of the minor Holy Orders in the unreformed Western Church but now suppressed by the Roman Catholic Church.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The ostiary was responsible for opening and closing the doors of the church, as well as for ushering in the faithful.
- In the early Christian Church, the ostiary was considered a stepping stone to higher orders, such as the subdiaconate.
- The role of the ostiary was formally suppressed by the Roman Catholic Church in the 20th century as part of a broader effort to simplify the sacrament of Holy Orders.
- Historically, the ostiary was one of the four minor orders that were considered to be a necessary precursor to the major orders of subdeacon, deacon, priest, and bishop.
- The duties of the ostiary were largely ceremonial, and were seen as a way of preparing candidates for more significant roles in the Church.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Someone who guards an entrance.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.