What is the difference between veneration and worship

The words veneration and adoration often come up especially in Christianity. While the idea may seem the same for both terms and may be considered synonymous dictionary-wise, the Christian community places a distinction between the two.

Here are the differences between veneration and adoration. Veneration is one of the forms of paying homage to God and the saints. Veneration can be broken down into two types in Greek terms - dulia and hyperdulia. The word veneration in itself is defined as the act of giving honor to a saint or an individual with a high degree of holiness. Paul is the basis why we ask our friends to pray for us, especially the saints who are in heaven because the prayers of the righteous is powerful James Protestants believe that worship automatically equates to adoration of God.

Whereas, Catholicism follows the biblical understanding of worship wherein it is a general term that have three distinct actions:. Exodus Daniel 2 : How is this possible? Why did the prophet Daniel accept the homage done to him by the king? This is exactly what Catholics are doing towards Mary and the saints, we are not worshiping them like how we worship God. And what is it that the Lord in the Gospel says concerning the Pharisees? Now who of those rightly and sincerely understanding the Divine Scriptures, has ever supposed that these examples which we have cited speak of the worship in spirit?

Surely Jacob did not adore the top of his staff; and surely Gregory the Theologian does not bid us to adore the manger? By no means. We grant that the word proskynesis is frequently found in the Divine Scriptures and in the writings of our learned and holy Fathers for the worship in spirit, since, being a word of many significations, it may be used to express that kind of reverence which is service.

As there is also the veneration of honour, love and fear. In this sense it is, that we venerate your glorious and most noble majesty. So also there is another veneration which comes of fear alone, thus Jacob venerated Esau. Then there is the veneration of gratitude, as Abraham reverenced the sons of Heth, for the field which he received from them for a burying place for Sarah his wife.

And finally, those looking to obtain some gift, venerate those who are above them, as Jacob venerated Pharaoh. The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.

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