Final answer:
The word 'echu' is related to the term 'catechumenate,' referring to the period of Christian doctrinal instruction before baptism. As Christianity evolved within the Roman Empire, its practices and language took on a more secretive and mysterious nature, particularly surrounding sacred rites such as baptism and the Eucharist.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word “echu” in the question seems to refer to a segment of the word “catechumenate,” which is itself related to early Christian ritual practices. The term “catechumenate” refers to the period of instruction in Christian doctrines before the rite of baptism. The process of becoming initiated into the Christian faith was a sacred time, enveloped in the mystery and reverence akin to the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries. During this time, sacraments such as baptism and the Eucharist were seen as deeply spiritual and secret rites, which were not disclosed to non-initiates or “catechumens” prior to their own initiation.
Historically, Christian theology saw a shift in perception regarding the public nature of its teachings. Earlier, Christian teachings were public, but as the Christian presence within the Roman Empire grew, especially post-Constantine, there was an increase in using Mystery language related to these sacred rites. Church Fathers like Cyril and Athanasius began to explicitly mention the need to safeguard the “Mysteries,” resulting in practices like admonishing the uninitiated to leave during the Eucharist with phrases such as “the doors, the doors” to maintain the sanctity of the rites.
The transformation within early Christianity from public exposition to a more mystique-laden approach, parallels the reverence and secrecy surrounding the ancient Greek mysteries. These changes also impacted the liturgical language, incorporating terms that alluded to illumination and secrecy, thus deepening the religious experience and signifying the profound nature of the spiritual insight gained through sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist.