Alb
Long white garment with sleeves, which is the basic garment worn by ordained and lay ministers at the Eucharist and other church services.
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Glossary
An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church
Glossary definitions adapted from An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians, edited by Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY.
Alban
The first Christian martyr of Britain who, as a Roman soldier in the fourth century, was killed after he helped a persecuted priest escape. Feast day: June 22.
Alcuin of York
A ninth-century deacon and religious advisor to the Emperor Charlemagne who worked to preserve classic texts, including the Collect for Purity. Feast day: May 20.
Alfred
A ninth-century Saxon king and patron of the church, who promoted ecclesiastical reform and translated Latin texts. Feast day: Oct. 26.
All Hallows’ Eve
The evening of Oct. 31, which precedes All Saints’ Day; traditionally a time when the souls of the dead were said to return to their homes.
All Saints’ Day
Commemorates all saints, known and unknown, on Nov. 1. One of the seven principal feasts of the church year, and one of four days recommended for baptisms.
All Souls’ Day
Also called the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, observed on Nov. 2.
Alleluia
Liturgical expression of praise, “Praise ye the Lord,” from the Hebrew Hallelujah.
Alms
Offerings of money and other gifts at the Eucharist and at other times intended to provide Christian charity for the needs of the church and the world, especially the poor.
Alphege
An archbishop of Canterbury in the 11th century, murdered by the Danes during a drunken fest. Feast day: Apr. 19.