"Amen"
(pronounced "Ah-men" by Episcopalians) is a Hebrew word meaning "so be it."
From the time of Moses "Amen" was a sign of acceptance or ratification of laws
or regulations; it evolved as a way of concluding prayers in the synagogue.
When Amen is printed in italics in the Book of Common Prayer, it
is to be said with enthusiasm by the congregation; otherwise, with vigor by
both minister and people. At the conclusion of each of the Eucharistic prayers
(I and II in Rite One, and A,B,C and D in Rite Two) the word is written with
upper-case letters, AMEN, to give particular emphasis to the role of the
congregation in ratifying this central prayer of consecration.