Glossary

A movement within Anglicanism emphasizing its Roman Catholic roots with a focus on Eucharistic liturgy, sacraments, and devotional practices.

Feast commemorating the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would be the mother of God’s Son, Jesus, and Mary’s assent in faith to God’s invitation. Feast Day: March 25.

Sacramental use of oil as an outward sign of God’s active presence for healing, initiation, or ordination.

An 11th-century archbishop of Canterbury and theologian, sometimes called the father of scholasticism and the second Augustine. Feast day: Apr. 21.

A ninth-century missionary and bishop, known as the apostle to the Scandinavians and patron saint of Denmark. Feast day: Feb. 3.

A fourth-century Christian hermit who dedicated his life to asceticism, living in the desert in solitude, fasting, and prayer. Feast day: Jan. 17.

Fifteen books that are sometimes published between the Old and New Testaments, considered by Episcopalians to be spiritually useful, but not necessarily a source for doctrine.

From the Greek apo, “away from,” and stasis, “standing,” literally meaning a “standing apart,” apostasy is used in Christian theology to speak of total renunciation of faith in Christ and abandonment of Christianity.

A term based on the Greek word apostolos, which means someone sent out. The original 12 apostles were contemporaries of Jesus Christ.

Ancient formula of Christian belief in three sections concerning God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Used as the basis for the baptismal covenant and in the Daily Offices.