Plural of abba, meaning fathers or senior monks; also refers to early Christian church leaders.
From Aramaic abba 'father,' the same word Jesus used to address God in the New Testament. The term entered Christian usage through early church hierarchy and monastic traditions.
The word 'abba' is so ancient and fundamental that it appears unchanged in the New Testament, representing one of the most intimate terms for 'father' in Jesus's native language. It's both formal religious title and tender family address.
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