Christian Cyclopedia

RC theologians distinguish 3 kinds of cultus: latria, dulia, and hyperdulia. Latria (“worship; adoration”) is accorded only God; dulia (“honor; reverence; veneration; homage”) is accorded saints and angels in gen.; hyperdulia (“higher dulia”) is accorded Mary, gen. regarded in RCm as the noblest and holiest creature. Cultus involving a symbol is referred to the prototype, the cultus being regarded as applying only in a relative way to the symbol. See also Angels, Veneration of; Nicaea, Councils of, 2; Saints, Veneration of.