Glossary

A third-century Roman pope and martyr, Fabian was an effective administrator who grew the church until he was arrested by the Emperor Decius in 250 and treated brutally, dying in prison. Feast day: Jan. 20.

A form of address used by some male priests; sometimes abbreviated Fr. in front of a name.

In addition to major feast days such as Easter and Christmas, the calendar of the church year has a feast day for each person commemorated as a saint. See Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2024.

A second-century enslaved woman, martyred in Carthage along with Perpetua and other companions in 202. Feast day: March 7, along with Perpetua.

A 17th-century English businessman and deacon, who, after losing his fortune, started a religious community at Little Gidding. Feast day: Dec. 8.

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.