Site Glossary

Prophetic forerunner of Jesus. Born to Elizabeth, a kinswoman of the Virgin Mary. He baptized many, including Jesus, and was later beheaded by Herod Antipas. Feast day: June 24.

Brother of James and son of Zebedee. Regarded as the author of the Gospel and epistles that bear his name, and of the Book of Revelation. Believed to be the only apostle who was not martyred. Feast day: Dec. 27.

One of the 12 apostles of Jesus, and the son of Alphaeus. Also known as James the Less to distinguish him from James the apostle, brother of John the apostle. Feast day: May 1, along with the Apostle Philip.

A hymn, psalm, or anthem that is sung as the ministers enter to begin the Eucharist.

Along with the House of Deputies, a legislative body of the General Convention. The HoB consists of all bishops, active and resigned.

The week before Easter, a time of special devotion focused on the last days of Jesus’ earthly life.

Defined by the catechism in the BCP as “the Third Person of the Trinity, God at work in the world and in the Church even now.” (BCP, p. 852)

The Saturday after Good Friday, which recalls the day when the crucified Christ descended to the dead while his body lay in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

An early name for the Eucharistic liturgy. The term has several overlapping meanings: the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, the mystery of faith, the sacraments, and the truth that surpasses all rational understanding.

Any day set apart for special observance because of its significance for faith.

See Eucharist.

A 12th-century German abbess who was influential as a mystic, scholar, composer, scientist, and physician. Feast day: Sept. 17.