Glossary

In a cruciform or cross-shaped church building, the parts of the building forming the two lateral arms of the cross.

The feast, celebrated on Aug. 6, that marks Jesus’ radical change of appearance while in the presence of Peter, James, and John, on a high mountain. The transfiguration revealed Christ’s glory prior to the crucifixion, and anticipated his resurrection.

The belief that the substance of Christ’s body and blood replaces the substance of the Eucharistic bread and wine. A Roman Catholic doctrine that differs from Episcopal and Anglican theology. See Real Presence.

Authorization by General Convention for temporary use of liturgical texts or rites not currently authorized, for purposes of evaluation and possible future authorization. A bishop may also permit experimental or provisional use within a diocese.

The three-day observance of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, leading up to Easter Day; may also designate any three-day period of preparation for a feast day.

Trinity means “threefold unity.” The Trinity is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (BCP, p. 852).

One of the seven principal feasts of the church year, celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost to commemorate the one and equal glory of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A 19th-century traveling preacher, advocate for women’s rights, and abolitionist who was enslaved for the first 28 years of her life. Feast day: July 20, along with Amelia Bloomer and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

A 19th-century abolitionist who escaped from slavery and helped more than 300 others escape through the Underground Railroad. Feast day: March 10.

An honorific signifying respect. In The Episcopal Church, generally used as a title of address for an archdeacon, abbreviated as “The Ven.”