Origin, meaning and symbols of the first Christians

1. A new text

In Rome, in the 2nd century, a text appeared which undoubtedly accompanied the baptismal approach. He then spread in Gaul in the 5th century.

It is the “symbol of the apostles” of which certain traditions then attributed each assertion to one of the twelve apostles. This text is still proclaimed in our celebrations today.

2. Essential claims

This text makes it possible to form the catechumens then to validate the conformity of their faith. Around eight essential affirmations: faith in the single God in three people. And confidence in the “universal” (Catholic) church, which brings together even in eternal life (communion of saints), forgives sins, announces resurrection and awaits eternal life.

3. Fish sign

During the time of persecution, to say Christian was risky. Visual signs are then used to resist. That of “fish”, for example. In Greek, current language, we write it $. Each of these five letters corresponds to the first letter of each word in the following sentence: i êso (“Jesus”) k hristòs (“Christ”) Th eoû (“de Dieu”) u iòs (“son”) s otêr (“Savior”), in other words: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior”. In Latin, this acronym is written Ichthus.

4. The other symbols

Christians have used other signs imagined to say their faith: that of the dove evokes the peace that gives the Holy Spirit. That of the ship, the protection offered by the church. That of anchor, the solidity of hope based on Christ.

5.

“We, small fish, which take our name from our Jesus Christ, we are born in the water and it is only by remaining in it that we are saved. (…) The best way to kill these little fish: get them out of the water. (Tertullian, Baptism ).

6. Heart prayer

In the Eastern Churches, the sign of the fish is not used. But the prayer of the heart takes over, inviting to ruminate the same affirmation of faith: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. »»