AMEN
A’ME’N, a Hebrew word of asservation, is equivalent to ‘Yea,’ ‘ Truly,’ and has been commonly adopted in the forms of Christian worship. In Jewish synagogues, the A. is pronounced by tilt congregation at the conclusion of the benediction given at parting. Among the early Christians, the prayer offered by the presbyter was concluded by the word A., uttered by the congregation, Mention is made of the practice in the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians (xiv. 16). Justin Martyr is the earliest of the fathers who alludes to the use of the response. ‘In speaking of the sacrament he says that, at the close of the benediction and prayer, all the assembly respond “A.” According to Tertullian, none but to faithful were permitted to join in the response.’ A somewhat noisy and irreverent practice prevailed in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper until the 6th c., after which it was discontinued. ‘Upon the reception both of the bread and of the wine, each person uttered a loud ” A.; ” and at the close of the consecration by the priest, all joined in shouting a loud ” A.” ‘ The same custom was observed at baptism, where the sponsors and witnesses responded vehemently. In the Greek Church, the A. was pronounced after the name of each person of the Trinity; and at the close of the baptismal formula, the people responded. At the conclusion Of prayer, it signifies (according to the English Church Catechism) So be it; after the repetition of the Creed, So is it.