Religious discourses delivered by clergy as part of worship services, typically based on scriptural texts and intended to provide moral or spiritual instruction. They can also refer to lengthy moralizing speeches.
From Old French sermon, from Latin sermo meaning 'discourse, conversation, talk.' Originally meant any formal speech or discourse, but became specifically associated with religious instruction during the medieval period.
The longest recorded sermon lasted 53 hours and 18 minutes, delivered by Zion Choi of South Korea in 2018! Medieval sermons often used elaborate allegories and stories to teach illiterate congregations, essentially functioning as both entertainment and education in pre-literate societies.
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