Glossary

A professional graduate-degree program, generally three years in duration, preparing individuals for ministry in congregations and other religious institutions and contexts.

A fourth-century monastic, theologian, and teacher, and influential older sister of the Cappadocians, Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa. Feast day: July 19.

Major celebrations of the church year for which the Book of Common Prayer appoints proper collects, psalms, and lessons.

Eucharistic vestment, typically an oblong band of silk or linen, worn above the left wrist.

An 11th-century queen of Scotland and reformer credited with removing Celtic influences in the Scottish Church. Feast day: Nov. 16.

One of the 12 apostles, traditionally considered to be the author of the second Gospel, although scholars believe the author was anonymous. Also said to be the first bishop of Alexandria. Feast day: April 25.

A holy and lifelong covenant between two people, made in the sight of God and before the church, characterized by love, fidelity, mutual support, and God’s blessing.

A fourth-century monastic, missionary, and bishop known for his humility, charity, and service to the poor. A patron saint of France. Feast day: Nov. 11.

A 19th-century founder of the Christian church in India and Iran who translated Scriptures into Hindustani, Persian, and Arabic. Feast day: Oct. 19.

A person killed for remaining loyal to their faith in the face of persecution.

Hundreds of Christians were crucified or otherwise murdered during a period when Christianity was banned in Japan. The first 26 were killed in 1597. Feast day: Feb. 6.

See Blandina.

Nine Australian missionaries and two Papuan Christians who died at the hands of Japanese invaders in 1942. Feast day: Sept. 2.

Thirty-two young men, pages in the court of King Mwanga, were burned alive in 1886 after refusing to renounce Christianity and submit sexually to the king. Feast day: June 3.

These sisters offered hospitality to Jesus. Martha prepared food, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching. Feast day: July 29.

A disciple of Jesus from the Judean city of Magdala, who was the first to witness the resurrected Christ. Feast day: July 22.

The mother of Jesus, Mary is venerated for her humility and obedience to God. Feast day: Aug. 15.

An early morning worship service, the first of the canonical hours, called Morning Prayer in the Daily Offices of the BCP.

A tax collector who became one of the 12 apostles. Said to be the author of the Gospel bearing his name, although many scholars doubt this. Feast day: Sept. 21.

The disciple who replaced Judas Iscariot as one of the 12 apostles. Feast day: Feb. 24.

The Thursday in Holy Week, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and celebrated the meal that established what would become the Eucharist.

A 19th-century English theologian and proponent of Christian socialism. Feast day: April 1.

An altar book that provides all the textual materials needed for celebration of the Eucharist.

Liturgical headdress of bishops, typically pointed at the top, symbolizing their office and authority.

A 19th-century evangelist and martyr in Rhodesia. Feast day: June 18.

A place where members of religious orders live in community, usually under the monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The mother of the theologian Augustine of Hippo, whom she convinced to become a Christian in 386. Feast day: May 4.

A male member of a religious order typically living a vowed life of poverty, chastity, and obedience in community.

Frame or vessel, typically made of gold or silver, used to display the consecrated bread of the Eucharist for veneration in a rite called the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

One of the principal Daily Offices; available in traditional and contemporary language in the BCP. Also, the principal act of Sunday worship in the absence of a priest.

An honorific used by some female priests.

A short cape that covers the shoulders, traditionally worn by bishops.

A 19th-century American priest, educator and liturgical reformer. Feast day: April 8.

A 20th-century attorney, civil rights activist, feminist, and scholar who became the first African-American female priest.