Neophyte

From Nordan Symposia
(Redirected from Novice)
Jump to navigationJump to search

Lighterstill.jpg

The Neophyte, Gustave Dore, 1883.jpg

Origin

Middle English, from Late Latin neophytus, from Greek neophytos, from neophytos newly planted, newly converted, from ne- + phyein to bring forth

Definitions

Description

A neophyte is a beginner. In the context of Christianity, the term often refers to a:

  • New convert to the religion, in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches an adult convert is considered a neophyte for one year after conversion. Roman Catholic neophytes are considered full members of the Church, but may not act as sponsors for others planning to join,
  • Newly ordained priest,
  • Person who recently took a monastic vow.

In fraternities, it is a person that is a new convert or member of a secret fraternal organization, a beginner or novice member of the organization, or a recent convert (rookie/freshman) to the fraternal organization.

See also