Chapter 10 - Monograms

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There is growing popularity in I.H.S. being an abbreviation for the phrase “In His Service.” However, this is a more modern meaning and should never be substituted for the primary meaning, especially in church settings where it is found on various objects such as the cross, Communion instruments, and altars.

INRI – A representation of the words written on the sign above the cross on which Jesus was crucified (John 19:19). The letters stand for the Latin phrase Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum meaning “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).

N – 1. A shortening of the Greek word Nika meaning “to conquer.” 2. A shortening of the Greek word Noster meaning “lord.”

NOEL – Noel is a French word for Christmas derived from the Latin word natalis, meaning “natal birthday” which refers back to the birth of Jesus.

NOLI ME TANGERE – Latin for “Do not cling to me.” This phrase was said by Jesus to Mary Magdalene in the garden after His death and Resurrection (John 20:17).

PAROUSIA – Greek word for “Advent”. It refers to Jesus’ second coming.

PATER NOSTER – The Latin words for “our father.

PAX – The Latin word for “peace.”

POST TENEBRAS LUX – Latin for “after darkness, light.” Post tenebras lux was the cry during the Reformation, referring to the recovery of the doctrine of justification. It also refers to broader events, such as the renewing of worship and the growing availability
of the Bible for the average person to read.

SANCTUS – Latin word for “holy.”

SPES PUBLICA – Latin for “hope of mankind.”

SPIRITUS GLADIUS – Latin for “sword of the Spirit.”

SPIRITUS SANCTUS - "SPUS SCUS" – Latin for “Holy Spirit.”

T – The first letter in the Greek word Theos meaning “God.”

V.D.M.A. – Latin for Verbum Dei Manet Aeternum which means “The Word of God endures forever.”

VITA – The Latin word for “life.” It is often combined with MORS which is Latin for “death.” The two were often displayed together, sometimes on the opposing arms of a cross.

X – A letter used to abbreviate the word Christ in a

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