Along with the House of Bishops, a legislative body of the General Convention. The HoD consists of clergy and laypeople elected from every diocese.

A 12th-century French monk, bishop, and friend of the oppressed, especially lepers and Jews. Feast day: Nov. 17.

A prayer for worthy reception of communion that begins with the statement, "We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness."

A 19th-century American priest, ecumenical leader, and liturgical reformer who was the driving force behind the prayer book revision that led to the 1892 BCP. Feast day: July 27.

The art of making icons.

A first-century Greek bishop, theologian, and martyr who played a key role in the development of the episcopate and the threefold order of deacon, priest, and bishop. Feast day: Oct. 17.

A 16th-century Spanish priest who founded the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, and known for his "Spiritual Exercises," a method of spiritual discernment. Feast day: July 31.

Mode of baptism in which the candidate's entire body is submerged in water.

The act of placing ashes on the foreheads of participants on Ash Wednesday as a sign of mortality and penitence. Ashes are imposed with the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

The act by which Christians believe God chose to become fully present as human flesh in the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.