Glosario

Latin for «and the Son,» words added to the Nicene Creed by the Latin church, but never accepted by the Eastern Orthodox. The Episcopal Church accepts the Nicene Creed with or without the filioque.

Large vessel with handle and spout, shaped like a pitcher, used as a container for wine in the Eucharist.

The term comes from the Latin fons, «spring of water,» and designates a receptacle for baptismal water.

A ritual performed at many Maundy Thursday services, commemorating Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

The anthem that is spoken or sung at the point in the Eucharist when the celebrant breaks the bread.

A 13th-century Italian friar, patron of animals, and founder of the Franciscan religious order. Feast day: Oct. 4, when many churches provide blessings for pets and other animals.

A form of life centered on the practice of poverty, reverence for God’s presence in the world, and appreciating the goodness of creation as a reflection of God’s love. Founded by Francis of Assisi.

Covering for the front of an altar, often made of silk or brocade cloth and matching the liturgical color of the season of the church year.

The mutual recognition of the members and ministry of two or more churches and of the validity of their sacraments. The Episcopal Church is in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Moravian Church (Northern & Southern Provinces), and the Church of Sweden, among others.

In Christianity, a conservative form of evangelical Protestantism rooted in late-19th-century anti-modernism that emphasizes the literal reading of Scripture and strict adherence to a specific code of moral and religious conduct.