Glossary

Liturgical and ceremonial cleaning of the paten and chalice with water, or with water and wine, following the communion of the people at the Eucharist.

The formal act by a bishop or priest of pronouncing God’s forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.

Salutation or greeting in the opening dialogue of the Eucharist arranged by versicle and response and varied according to the liturgical season.

A general term which covers not only servers, torchbearers, and lighters of candles but also crucifers, thurifers, and banner-bearers.

First season of the church year, beginning with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continuing through the day before Christmas.

A 12th-century English monk and author of two major treatises: “Mirror of Charity” and “Spiritual Friendship.” Feast day: Jan. 12.

From the Greek word meaning selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. Used by Christians to connote love that seeks the good for others reflecting God’s love, grace, and mercy.

Third- and fourth-century martyrs killed during persecution in Rome. Agnes was revered for unwavering courage and refusal to sacrifice to Roman gods. Cecilia is the patron saint of singers, poets, and musicians, martyred for converting a pagan, Valerian, to whom she was betrothed. Feast day: Jan. 21.

Latin for Lamb of God, a fraction anthem used at the breaking of the bread during a Eucharist.

A seventh-century Irish monk and bishop credited with restoring Christianity throughout northern England. Feast day: Aug. 31.

Long white garment with sleeves, which is the basic garment worn by ordained and lay ministers at the Eucharist and other church services.

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.

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.

A ninth-century Saxon king and patron of the church, who promoted ecclesiastical reform and translated Latin texts. Feast day: Oct. 26.

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.

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.

Also called the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, observed on Nov. 2.

Liturgical expression of praise, “Praise ye the Lord,” from the Hebrew Hallelujah.

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.

An archbishop of Canterbury in the 11th century, murdered by the Danes during a drunken fest. Feast day: Apr. 19.

The structure, also known as the Lord’s Table, where offerings are presented and the elements of bread and wine are consecrated in the Eucharist.

A group whose ministry is to care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the congregation.

An altar other than the main altar upon which the consecrated bread and wine from the Maundy Thursday Eucharist are reserved for communion on Good Friday.

A fourth-century bishop, theologian and hymnwriter, considered one of the four fathers of the Western Church. Feast day: Dec. 7.

Term derived from the Greek word for suspended; refers to the official separation from the church of members guilty of persistent heresy or grave moral offenses.

One of the twelve Apostles, brother of Simon Peter, and patron saint of Scotland. Feast day: Nov. 30.

A 17th-century English bishop and spiritual writer. Feast day: Sept. 26.

Spiritual beings serving as agents and messengers of God. Archangels are seen as leaders and protectors.

A global fellowship of autonomous yet interrelated regional and national churches rooted in historic ties to the Church of England, and marked by being in communion with the archbishop of Canterbury.

A Christian tradition shaped by the Church of England that is relational, missionary, and contextual, holding together unity and diversity through shared worship, faith, and participation in God’s mission rather than through centralized authority.

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.

The belief that bishops are the successors to the apostles and that episcopal authority is derived from the apostles by an unbroken line of succession in the ministry.

A 13th-century Dominican scholar, considered the leading theologian of the medieval church. Feast day: Jan. 28.

A bishop with administrative and disciplinary authority over other bishops.

The “primate of all England and Metropolitan” of the ecclesiastical province of Canterbury in the Church of England, and the ceremonial head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

A senior bishop in the Church of England, second only to the archbishop of Canterbury, serving as the metropolitan bishop of the province of York, which includes 10 dioceses.

A clergyperson with defined administrative authority delegated by the diocesan bishop.

The occasion on which the risen Christ is taken into heaven after appearing to his followers for 40 days.

The first of the 40 days of Lent, named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshippers at Ash Wednesday services.

Liturgical practice of sprinkling with holy water as a reminder of baptism.

A brush, branch, metal rod, or other instrument used to sprinkle holy water at the asperges.