Definition of the word chapel

The word "chapel" originates from the Latin word "capella," which means "small house" or "dwelling." In the 4th century, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great built a small house for his mother, Helena, where she could worship and pray. This small house was later converted into a church, and the name "Capella" stuck. The English word "chapel" emerged from the Old French "capelle," which was derived from the Latin "capella." Initially, a chapel referred to a small room or building within a larger church or monastery where private prayers and masses could be held. Over time, the term expanded to include smaller churches or worship spaces that were not part of a larger church complex. Today, the word "chapel" encompasses a wide range of worship spaces, from intimate prayer rooms to grand, ornate structures.