igreja

Igreja is a term in Portuguese that can refer to a building used for Christian worship as well as to a Christian community or denomination. In many Portuguese-speaking countries, it is closely associated with the Roman Catholic Church, which has historically shaped religious life, public rituals, and social institutions, though the word also covers Protestant, Orthodox, and independent Christian communities.

The etymology of Igreja traces to the Latin ecclesia, meaning assembly or gathering of believers, and through Romance languages it became the standard term for a house of worship as well as the church as a community.

Architecturally, an igreja typically includes spaces such as a nave, chancel or altar area, sacristy, baptistery, and often chapels. Some churches function as parish churches within a diocese led by a bishop; the principal church of a diocese is the cathedral. A church may also be designated a basilica or a chapel, reflecting its status or function.

Organization and practice vary by denomination. In Catholic contexts, the church administers sacraments such as baptism and the Eucharist, conducts liturgical worship (Mass), catechesis, and social services. Protestant, Orthodox, and other churches maintain their own liturgical calendars, sacraments or ordinances, and governance structures, ranging from congregational to hierarchical models.

Historically, igrejas have served as centers of worship, education, charity, and community life. In the Portuguese-speaking world, they have played a prominent role in culture and architecture, while modernization and ecumenical dialogue continue to shape their religious and social roles.