Definition of the word liturgical

The word "liturgical" comes from the Latin word "liturgia," which means "public service" or "worship." In ancient Greece and Rome, a liturgy referred to a public ceremony or ritual, often performed in a temple or theater. In the Christian context, the term retained its sense of public worship, but took on a more specific meaning. The earliest Christian literature, such as the Didache (circa 100-150 AD), used the term "liturgia" to describe the communal worship of the early Christian communities. Over time, the term evolved to describe the specific rituals and ceremonies of the Christian liturgy, including the Eucharist, baptism, and other sacraments. In the Middle Ages, the term "liturgical" came to describe the music, art, and architecture associated with Christian worship, as well as the texts and prayers used in the liturgy. Today, the term continues to refer to the formal, ceremonial worship of many Christian denominations, as well as the study and practice of liturgical traditions.