A congregation is an assembly of people who habitually gather to worship and attend church. [2] X Research source Christian churches have 3 main denominations or branches: Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant Tradition. Each of these branches follows specific religious rules and policies. [3] X Research source
Think of it this way: without a congregation, a church would simply be a building of worship, making it a chapel. Once you add a like-minded group of people and a leader, it becomes a church.
A pastor or priest may be present at a chapel to guide visitors, but they won’t typically preach for a large group of people.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Duomo di Milano are some of the world’s most famous cathedrals.
There are 2 types: basilica major and basilica minor. The basilica major is reserved for the 4 churches of the pope, whereas a basilica minor can be bestowed to any church deemed worthy. The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s Basilica, Basilica of St. Paul Outside of the Walls, and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore are major basilicas. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Basilica of the Holy House, and Shrine of the Virgin of Rosary are famous minor basilicas.
Basilica-styled buildings were used as markets, courthouses, promenades, and meeting halls during the 1st century BC. [8] X Research source
