Labarum

The military standard adopted by Emperor Constantine after his conversion to Christianity, featuring the Chi-Rho (☧), from the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (ρ) and formed by superimposing the first two letters of the Greek word Christos (Χριστός), meaning “Christ”. The Labarum served as both a Christian emblem and imperial banner, symbolising Constantine’s belief that his victories were achieved under the protection of Christ. The term Labarum is thought to derive from a Latinised form of a Gallic or Iberian word for “standard” or “banner”. Introduced by Constantine as his military standard following his vision in 312 AD before the victorious Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the Labarum became a powerful emblem of the Christian Roman Empire, blending religious and imperial authority.

Levi (לֵוִי)

Hebrew. “Joined to”, derived from the verb lehilavot (להילוות), which means “to accompany”. He was the third son of Jacob and Leah, and the progenitor of tribe of Levites, which is called after him and from which came the house of Aaron. The Levites did not receive a land of their own, but instead set apart for the service of the sanctuary, serving as priests in the Temple.

Licinius

A Roman emperor who ruled the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire from 308 to 324 AD. Licinius (c. 263–325 AD) is best known for his political and military rivalry with Constantine I. Initially, he co-issued the Edict of Milan (313 AD) with Constantine, granting religious tolerance to Christians throughout the empire. However, their alliance soon deteriorated into civil war, culminating in Licinius’ defeat at the Battle of Chrysopolis (324 AD). After his capture, he was executed the following year. Licinius’ reign is notable for its temporary support of Christian rights alongside continued pagan practices, but his defeat solidified Constantine's sole control over the Roman Empire.

Lucifer

Latin. “Bearer of light” or “bringer of light”. An epithet of the planet Venus, also known as the “morning star” and sometimes referred to as “brilliant star”. In Isaiah 14:12 the name appears in Hebrew, i.e. Hillel (הילל), as a title given to the tyrannous king of Babylon to indicate that he is destined to fall, and in 2 Peter 1:19 it is used in its Greek form, i.e. Phosphoros (φωσφόρος) with reference to the rise of the morning star in ones heart. In later literature the name is used for Satan (שָׂטָן), a fallen angel, who was cast out of Heaven by God for rebelling against Him.

Lutheranism

Lutheranism is a branch of Protestant Christianity that originated with the teachings of Martin Luther in the early 16th century. It emphasizes justification by faith alone (sola fide), the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura), and the priesthood of all believers. Lutheranism retains two sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper—as instituted by Christ, and upholds the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, while rejecting Catholic doctrines such as indulgences, the authority of the pope, and works-based salvation. Its theology is rooted in the belief that salvation is a gift of God’s grace and not earned by human effort. Lutheranism differs from Calvinism primarily in its understanding of the Lord’s Supper, teaching the real, physical presence of Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist, whereas Calvinism and Presbyterianism interpret the presence of Christ as spiritual rather than corporeal. Lutherans also generally reject strict predestination, emphasizing instead that salvation is offered to all through faith.