Glossary

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.

Certain woods or solidified resins and the aromatic smoke that results from burning them. Used in some churches to symbolize a sacrificial offering to God.

Spoken and written language that intentionally avoids using words that are needlessly gender-specific or exclusive.

Prayer for another or others.

One who prays on behalf of another or others.