Glossary

Garment worn by members of religious communities.

Biography of a saint.

A 19th-century missionary bishop and martyr, who was put to death by Ugandans along with other missionaries. Feast day: Oct. 29.

In 1989, Harris became the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion when she was ordained and consecrated bishop suffragan of Massachusetts. She previously served as executive director of The Episcopal Church Publishing Company. Feast day: Feb. 11.

A 17th-century English priest considered to be one of the chief devotional poets of the Anglican Communion. Feast day: Feb. 27.

The sin of a baptized and professing Christian who denies a doctrine of the faith. Distinct from apostasy and schism.

Generally, an altar on a platform higher than the rest of the church floor, placed against the east wall. Many churches now feature a free-standing altar, prominently placed and not remote from the people, as a sign of unity for the Eucharistic gathering.

An ecclesial philosophy that stresses the ministry and sacraments of the church as the primary means of grace. Often associated with formal liturgical practices such as the use of incense.

A fourth-century French bishop and theologian who was an early champion of the concept of the Trinity. Feast day: Jan 13.

A seventh-century abbess known for her significant role and leadership in promoting Christianity in England. Feast day: Nov. 18.

A 12th-century German abbess who was influential as a mystic, scholar, composer, scientist, and physician. Feast day: Sept. 17.

A 19th-century American bishop, high church leader, author, and a founder of General Theological Seminary. Feast day: Sept. 12.

See Eucharist.

A major feast observed on Sept. 14 in honor of Christ’s self-offering on the cross for our salvation.

Any day set apart for special observance because of its significance for faith.

Male infants slaughtered by King Herod the Great in Bethlehem in an unsuccessful attempt to kill the king of the Jews. Feast day: Dec. 28.

An early name for the Eucharistic liturgy. The term has several overlapping meanings: the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, the mystery of faith, the sacraments, and the truth that surpasses all rational understanding.

Holy Orders refers to the three ordained ministries—deacon, priest, and bishop—to which people are called and ordained. Eligibility is determined by baptism, discernment, and canonical requirements, not by gender, race, ethnicity, or marital status.

The Saturday after Good Friday, which recalls the day when the crucified Christ descended to the dead while his body lay in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

Defined by the catechism in the BCP as “the Third Person of the Trinity, God at work in the world and in the Church even now.” (BCP, p. 852)

The week before Easter, a time of special devotion focused on the last days of Jesus’ earthly life.

A 16th-century English theologian who provided a theological justification for an English church independent from the Roman Catholic Church. He advocated Scripture, reason, and tradition as the sources of Anglican authority. Feast day: Nov. 3.

The consecrated bread of the Eucharist.

Along with the House of Deputies, a legislative body of the General Convention. The HoB consists of all bishops, active and resigned.

Along with the House of Bishops, a legislative body of the General Convention. The HoD consists of clergy and laypeople elected from every diocese.

A 12th-century French monk, bishop, and friend of the oppressed, especially lepers and Jews. Feast day: Nov. 17.

A prayer for worthy reception of communion that begins with the statement, “We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness.”

A 19th-century American priest, ecumenical leader, and liturgical reformer who was the driving force behind the prayer book revision that led to the 1892 BCP. Feast day: July 27.