Synthesized answer
The earliest occurrence of the symbol Alpha and Omega in 295, as noted in a dated inscription from Rome, presents an inverted order with Omega preceding Alpha [2]. This variation, where the Omega takes precedence, suggests that in its initial stages, the standardization of this Christian symbol was not yet fixed [2].
The passage indicates that this inverted order in 295 was part of an inscription that included other words [2]. The widespread adoption and traditional form of the symbol became more common from the fourth century onwards, particularly after the Council of Nicæa [1, 4]. The text does not further elaborate on what this initial variation specifically implies about the process of symbolic standardization beyond the suggestion that it was not yet definitively established.
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From the book
was in use before the Council of Nicæa (325) has not yet been settled definitely. If so, it was of very rare occurrence. In a fresco which dates from the middle of the fourth century in the "great cave" of the catacomb of Prætextatus, Α and Ω are found in connection with the monogrammatic cross. The oldest inscription in which the letters occur in their traditional form dates from 364. From this time on they were a favorite symbol of the orthodox Christians (the Arians regarded it with disfavour) and they are found on the monuments in all parts of early Christendom. The apocalyptic letters…
of Whom alone the end becomes beginning, and ends again at the original beginning without any break" ( Strom., IV, 25 ). Tertullian also alludes to Christ as the Alpha and Omega (De Monogamiâ, v), and from Prudentius (Cathemer., ix, 10) we learn that in the fourth century the interpretation of the apocalyptic letters was still the same: "Alpha et Omega cognominatus, ipse fons et clausula, Omnium quæ sunt, fuerunt, quæque post futura sunt." It was, however, in the monuments of early Christianity that the symbolic Alpha and Omega had their greatest vogue. The earliest date at which this symbol…
nnection with another symbol, usually the monogram of Christ, are much more common than those of the two former classes. The minuscular form ω is, in nearly all cases, represented, though some examples of Ω occur in the monuments of Africa and Spain. The words "Alpha and Omega" continued in use in the Mozarabic Liturgy; also in the ancient Irish Liturgy, e.g. in the famous Communion-hymn in the Antiphonary of Bangor. Kraus , Real-Encyklopadie , I, 60–62; Leclercq in Dict. d'archéol. et de lit. , I, 1–25. Maurice M. Hassett .
← St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) A and Ω by Maurice M. Hassett Alpha and Omega (in Jewish Theology) → From volume 1 of the work. 93422 Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) — A and Ω Maurice M. Hassett Α and Ω ( Alpha and Omega ).— Scriptural .—The first and the last letter of the Greek alphabet, employed from the fourth century as a symbol expressing the confidence of orthodox Christians in the scriptural proofs of Our Lord's divinity. This symbol was suggested by the Apocalypse, where Christ, as well as the Father, is "the First and the Last" (ii, 8); "the Alpha and Omega, the…
fusion. It became necessary to resort to permutations, to the use of other letters, to numerical and formal equivalents. The result was an outlandish vocabulary, only partially accounted for, yet one which nevertheless reveals in Gnosticism the existence of something more than mere incoherences. Very many secrets of Gnosticism remain unexplained, but it may be hoped that they will not always be shrouded in mystery. King , The Gnostics and their Remains (London, 1887); Bellermann , Versuch über die Gemmen der Alten mit dem Abraxas-Bilde (Berlin, 1817–19); Dieterich , Die Abraxas (Leipzig,…
More questions about this book
- Explain the core theological significance of the "Alpha and Omega" symbol as presented in the text, and articulate why this specific symbol was chosen to convey Christ's divinity within early Christian thought.
- Considering the Catholic Encyclopedia's stated purpose to provide "authoritative information," how do the historical references and scholarly citations within the "Alpha and Omega" entry bolster or demonstrate its authority on Catholic doctrine?
- If you were explaining the concept of Christ as "the First and the Last, the beginning and the end" to a novice, how would you simplify the meaning of the Alpha and Omega symbol using only the provided textual evidence?
- Reflect on the implications of the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) being in the public domain today. How does this accessibility affect its potential role in shaping contemporary understanding of historical Catholic "interests, action and doctrine"?