Which term is used to describe the practice of preparing mortuary services in early Christianity?

The term that describes the practice of preparing mortuary services in early Christianity is "Lectarii." In the context of early Christian funerary practices, this term refers to those responsible for caring for the dead, specifically those who would lay out the body for burial or preparation, often in a manner that aligns with Christian beliefs about death and resurrection.

Understanding this term also highlights the importance of the role of the community in handling the deceased with care and respect, which was a significant aspect of early Christian customs. The Lectarii played a vital role in ensuring that the deceased were given a proper send-off according to the practices and beliefs of the time.

The other terms listed have different meanings that do not connect directly to the preparation of mortuary services in early Christianity. For example, "Sandapilarii" refers to those who were involved in burial practices but not specifically in the preparatory aspect, while "Fossarii" pertains more to grave diggers. "Laborantes," on the other hand, translates to "workers" but lacks specific relevance to the mortuary context. Thus, "Lectarii" is the most accurate term to describe the preparatory role within early Christian funerary practices.