Altar - The stone or wooden table at which the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. The altar is sometimes called the "holy table." The early Christians, after a generation or so, were no longer welcome in either the Jerusalem temple nor Jewish Synagogues. The Book of Acts records that from the first Christians met in homes for fellowship, prayers, “the apostles doctrine” and breaking of bread which may be a reference to communion. Recent archaelogical finds have uncovered homes dating to the 2nd century that had simple altars: a table, a flower vase and simple inscriptions on the wall with the names of the Holy Family; Jesus, Mary, Joseph. At the altar in the Church we gather to offer prayers and in the words of our liturgy, “we offer our selves, our souls and bodies back to the Father. Here we remember the sacrifice of Christ and offer thanks to God for forgiveness and new life.

Altar Rail (or communion rail, or sanctuary rail) - A low wall or railing separating the sanctuary from the choir or nave; it is customary for worshipers to kneel at the altar rail to receive the Holy Communion.

Ambo - A pulpit or lectern, or a structure that serves both purposes.

Anthem - A text from Scripture or from the Liturgy which is sung during a service. (The word comes from the Greek "antiphon," meaning a verse sung in response to a psalm or other Scripture passage.)

Apostolic Succession - Every bishop of the Church Catholic is ordained by the laying on of hands by one or more (usually at least three) other bishops, and so it has been back to the first century when the first bishops were ordained by the Apostles themselves; but a true Apostolic succession also requires that the bishop continue in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. The purpose served by the succession was to pass on the truth, the Good News that God sent his son Jesus the Christ into the world to rescue us. Unfortunately, not all who claim to be in the succession, or even have ordination have lived up to their vows. A notable example of apostolic failure was Judas Iscariot. Christians are to be diligent, and not follow ever teacher, but to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd from their Bishops and other clergy. Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.” Archbishop - A bishop who is also the Metropolitan of a province, or otherwise has primacy of honour or authority over other bishops.

Archdeacon - The chief administrative officer of a diocese, administering spiritual as well as temporal matters. In ancient times, the archdeacon was the senior deacon in the diocese; for many centuries the office has usually been filled by a senior priest or a suffragan bishop.

Baptism (usually "Holy Baptism") - The sacrament of Christian initiation by which sins (original and actual) are washed away and a person is made a member of the Church and a joint-heir with Christ in his Kingdom. Baptism is administered by immersion in water, or by the pouring of water, with the Scriptural formula, "I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The significance of baptism according to St Paul in Romans chapter 6 is that at this time a person begins life new in the Body of Christ.

Bishop - A clergyman in the highest order. Bishops are ordained as pastors over a particular church or a diocese, and have the ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church. (The word comes from the Greek "episkopos," meaning "overseer.") During the earliest days of the Church there were Presbyters (a word from which the word priest was derived.) and deacons. Generally speaking, the Presbyters were responsible for teaching, worship, and the administration of sacraments. Deacons were responsible for the physical welfare of the congregation. Eventually there was a division of labour in the office of Presbyter or priest. Some became overseers (bishops) with a responsibility of organizing the church’s effort and teaching the teachers who were the elders or priests.

Book of Common Prayer - The book containing the forms of the common (i. e., public) prayers of the church, including the normal church services and the forms for administering the sacraments. The first Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549; the American edition used by this Church is that of 1928. The Book of Common Prayers is 75% taken from Holy Scripture. The balance is ancient prayers translated into English. The Book of Common Prayer contains much of the ancient beauty of the first liturgies.

Canon - A rule or standard, often in the form of a list. The Canon of Scripture is the list of all of the books of the Bible accepted by the Church as inspired. The Canon of Saints is the list of all of the holy men and women whose heavenly birthdays are commemorated by the Church. The canon law consists of the canons, or laws, of the Church. The officers of a cathedral or diocese are called "canons" (in Latin, "canonici," or canonical men) because they are on the list of such officers.

Canon Law - (Also, "ecclesiastical law.") The body of law that governs Church institutions; it includes the general law of the Church (including the decrees of the seven ecumenical councils of the early Church), the constitutions and canons of the jurisdiction, province, and diocese, and the body of jurisprudence interpreting and applying the law.

Canticle - A short song consisting of verses of Scripture set to music, sung in the liturgy.

Cathdera - The official chair of the bishop in the cathedral (or pro-cathedral) of his diocese.

Cathedral - The principal church building in a diocese, where the bishop's chair (cathedra) is placed.

Chancel - The part of a church building that contains the choir and sanctuary. In most older churches, the chancel was separated from the nave by a screen of stone, metal,or wood (the "rood screen"), and the name "chancel" is derived from the Latin word for screen ("cancellus"). Chaplain - A minister in charge of a chapel, or a minister with care of souls in the military or in an institution (such as a school or hospital), rather than in a parish.

Chasuble - A kind of cloak or poncho, often of silk, in the liturgical colour; it is worn by a bishop or priest as part of his vestment when he celebrates the Eucharist.

Choir - Originally, the part of a church between the chancel screen and the communion rail; the word has come to refer to the choristers or singers, whose seats were in the choir. Services conducted from the choir, rather than from the sanctuary, are called the "choir offices," and the vestment worn when officiating or assisting in choir, rather than at the altar, are called the "choir vestment."

Colour, Liturgical - The vestments of the clergy and the paraments in the church building (including the altar frontal, pulpit hanging, etc.) vary in colour according to the season of the Church year or the particular holy day being observed. There have been numerous colour schemes, but, since the late sixteenth century the Western custom has been to use: white (or gold) in Christmastide and Eastertide and on the Feasts of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saints who were not martyred, and at weddings and baptisms; red on Whitsun Day, the Feasts of Martyrs and Evangelists, and at ordinations and confirmations; purple (or violet) during the penitential seasons of Advent, pre-Lent, and Lent, for vigils, and sometimes at funerals; and green for the ordinary times after Epiphany and Trinity. Black is sometimes used for funerals and on Good Friday and All Souls' Day; rose (or ashes-of-roses) is sometimes used on the third Sunday in Advent and the fourth Sunday in Lent.

Confirmation - The sacramental completion of Christian initiation, comprising "sealing" by the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is administered by a bishop by laying of of hands and (usually) annointing with chrism, olive oil that has been set aside and blest for this purpose.

Credence (or credence table) - A shelf or table within the sanctuary, to the side of the altar, on which the sacred vessels and the elements are placed until they are used in the Eucharist. (The Italian form of this word, "credenza," is familiar as the name of an item of furniture that fulfils a similar secular function.)

Dalmatic - A tunic with wide sleeves, falling at least to the knees; it is the normal liturgical vestment of the deacon, and is sometimes worn by other clergy. The dalmatic should ordinarily match the celebrant's chasuble in colour and fabric. (The name comes from the ancient land of Dalmatia [modern Croatia], where a tunic of this sort was worn.)

Deacon - A clergyman in the lowest order. Deacons are ordained for the works of charity, teaching, and administration, and to assist the bishops and priests. (The word comes from the Greek "diakonos," meaning "minister" or "waiter.")

Dean - A senior clergyman. The chief officer of a cathedral has the title "dean," as does the head of a seminary. The senior clergyman in a particular region of a diocese is called a "dean" or "rural dean." (The word comes from the Latin "decanus," meaning "officer in charge of ten men.")

Diocese - A particular church and the area in which it is situated. A diocese has a bishop as its pastor and usually comprises a number of parishes, as well as missions, schools, charitable institutions, and so forth.

Ecumenical Council (or Oecumenical Council) - A gathering to which all of the bishops of the whole inhabited world (in Greek, "oikumene") are called to address the common needs and concerns of the entire Church militant here in earth. To date, there have been seven ecumenical councils: Nicea (325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451), Constantinople (553), Constantinople (690), Nicea (787). There have, of course, been no ecumenical councils since the schism between the Eastern and Western churches in 1054; certain councils of the Western church (including four held at the Lateran Palace in Rome) are sometimes, but inaccurately, called "ecumenical."

Eucharist (usually "Holy Eucharist") - The principal service of the Christian Church, celebrated in keeping with the Lord's own instruction to "do this in remembrance of me." (The word is from the Greek, meaning "to give thanks.")

Evening Prayer (often called "Evensong") - The daily evening service of prayer, praise, and Scripture reading.

Feast - A holy day of celebration, usually in honour of our Lord or of the Saints. (The secular meaning of feast, i.e., a large or sumptuous meal, derives from the celebratory nature of holy days.)

Font - The fixture containing the water in which baptisms are performed. It is usually made of stone.

Friars - Men in religious orders committed to work in the world. Examples of friars are Franciscans and Dominicans.

Good Friday - The Friday of Holy Week is the only day of the year that the Church calls "good."It is the anniversary of the passion, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ. (It is sometimes said that the name of this fast day was originally "God's Friday.") Hallowmas - The Feast of All Saints (or "All Hallows"), November 1. (Hallowe[v]en is the vigil of All Hallows' Day.)

Holy Thursday - In English usage, this has always meant the Feast of the Ascension (the fortieth day after Easter Day). (In continental or Roman usage, "Holy Thursday" means the Thursday in Holy Week, or Maundy Thursday.)

Hood - An ornamental(not practical) hood, usually of silk, worn by college graduates to indicate their academic degree. Hoods vary in size, shape, and colour depending on the university, faculty, and degree. The hood, worn over the cassock and surplice, is part of the normal choir vestment.

Lady Day - The Feast of the Annunciation, March 25. (The Feast of the Dormition [or, sometimes, "Assumption"] of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, is sometimes called "Lady Day in August.")

Magnificat - A canticle, the Song of Mary, from the first chapter of Saint Luke's Gospel, sung at daily Evening Prayer. (From the first words of the canticle in Latin: "Magnificat anima mea Dominum, " meaning "my soul doth magnify the Lord.")

Maundy Thursday - Thursday in Holy Week, from the Latin introit, which begins "Mandatum nouum . . ." ("A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another.") The principal Eucharist of the day commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper, and is followed by the stripping of the altars. The "Maundy [ritual]" comprises the washing of the feet of the members of the congregation or of the poor.

Metropolitan - The chief bishop of a province (originally the bishop of the "mother city"--in Greek "meter polis"--of the province).

Missal - A book containing all of the texts used for the celebration of the Eucharist, including the Scripture lessons and the liturgical formulas.

Mitre (or Miter) - The ceremonial headdress of a bishop or abbot; the front and the back of the mitre rise to points, and there are two "infulae" (or "lappets") that hang from the back of the mitre down to the wearer's shoulders.

Monks - Men in religious orders committed to a balanced life of work and prayer in stable communities. Most monks are Benedictines.

Morning Prayer (also called "Matins) - The daily morning service of prayer, praise, and Scripture reading.

Nave - The main body of a church building, where the congregation sits. (The name comes from the supposed resemblance of the roof to an upturned ship [Latin, navis].)

Offertory - The point in the Liturgy of the Eucharist during which the elements are received and prepared; the tithes and alms of the people may also be collected and offered at this time.

Oratory - A private chapel, often in a home or institution (such as a hospital or rest home).

Orders (usually "Holy Orders) - The sacrament by which men are set apart, by the laying on of hands and by prayer, for the ministry of the Church; the ministry is of three orders: bishops, priests, and deacons.

Parish - A defined, self-supporting community within a diocese; a parish has a priest as its pastor; the parish is usually defined geographically, although in extraordinary circumstances it might be defined on some other basis (such as language). Penance - The sacramental reconciliation of penitents by confession and absolution.

Prayer Book (formally, "Book of Common Prayer") - A book containing the authorized forms of services and for the administration of the sacraments; the first Prayer Book was published in 1549, and the most recent used by this Church was published in 1928.

Priest (or Presbyter) - A clergyman ordained for the care of souls and the administration of the sacraments. A man must serve as a deacon for a time (normatively, one year) before he may be ordained to the priesthood. (The word comes from the Greek "presbuteros," meaning "elder.")

Primate - The senior bishop of a country. The title is usually attached to the oldest episcopal see in a country; so, for example, the Archbishop of Armagh is "Primate of all Ireland."

Province - A federation of dioceses, usually geographically contiguous. Psalter - The book of Psalms in the Bible, especially as appointed for use in the daily services of Morning and Evening Prayer.

Quicunque vult - The so-called "Athanasian Creed," from the first words in Latin, meaning "whoever would be saved . . ." In England (and some other places) the Quicunque vult is said or sung at services on the major feast days.

Reader (or "Lay Reader") - A layman admitted and licensed to conduct Church services in the absence of a priest and who assists at worship. Rector - The pastor of a parish. Once instituted as the rector of a parish, a clergyman may not be removed except for good cause in accordance with canon law.

Religious - In a technical sense, pertaining to the consecrated life or one so consecrated. Religious communities included orders of monks, friars, canons, clerks, nuns, and sisters. (The word comes from the Latin, "religere," meaning "to be bound"; and it may be related to the Lating "regula," meaning "rule," and referring to the rules by which the religious are bound.)

Rogation Days - The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday immediately preceding the Feast of the Ascension, together with the fifth Sunday after Easter (Rogation Sunday), are days of solemn invocation of God's blessing on the fields, flocks, and herds. In older times, the Rogation Days were marked by processions "beating the bounds" (i.e., "beding," or praying, around the boundary lines) of the parish.

Rood - A cross or crucifix.

Rood Screen - An architectural screen of stone, wood, or metal separating the chancel from the nave of a church building. It is called a "rood screen" because it is customary to set a crucifix at the top of the screen.

Sacrament - An outward and visible sign conveying inward and spiritual grace. There are two"dominical" sacraments regarded as generally (i.e., universally) necessary, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion; and there are five commonly called sacraments, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, Penance (Reconciliation of Penitents), and the Unction (Annointing) of the sick. Jesus promised that He would be with His Church always. The idea behind sacrament is that God is at work aiding us in our daily life. The Sacrament is a sign that reminds us that God is at work.

Sacristan - A person whose job is to maintain the church building and grounds, as well, in former times, as to ring the bells and to dig the graves in the churchyard. In English customary usage, the word "sacristan" is pronounced (and often spelled) as "sexton."

Sacristy - A room adjacent to the sanctuary where the vestments and sacred vessels are kept and where the ministers prepare for services.

Sanctuary - Area near the altar separated from the rest of the church by the communion rail.

Scarf - A scarf of folded black wool (or "stuff," although college graduates are nominally entitled to wear silk), worn around the neck and hanging at least to the knees as part of the normal choir vestment of clergy. It is not the same as the liturgical stole, but probably derives from academic costume. In many places, lay readers are authorized to wear a light blue scarf as a badge of their office.

Sedile (plural: sedilia) - A chair in the sanctuary used by the officiant or presiding clergyman. There are usually three sedilia: a central chair for the officiant, flanked by two chairs for deacons or other assistants.

Shrove Tuesday - The Tuesday before Lent, the day before Ash Wednesday. The name refers to the ancient and medieval practice of making one's confession (shriving) on that day. The secular custom of supping on pancakes is symbolic of the ancient and medieval practice of using up the last of the meat and oil in the house before lent begins.

Stole - A band of colored fabric (often silk), in the liturgical colour, worn around the neck (with the ends hanging in front) by a priest when administering the sacraments or conducting certain services. A deacon wears his stole over the left shoulder with the ends crossed under his right arm.

Suffragan Bishop (or "Bishop Suffragan") - An auxilliary bishop.

Surplice - The basic vestment for ministers, acolytes, singers, and others assisting "in choir"; it is a white gown hanging to the knees or below, with full sleeves. A shorter version, with shorter or closer sleeves, is called a "cotta."

Synod - A Church convention; the legislative body of a particular church (a diocese) or a province. Synods may be called conventions, conferences, convocations, assemblies, or "representative bodies," depending on local law and custom.

Tabernacle - A small booth, on or behind the altar, in which the consecrated elements of the Holy Eucharist are reserved. In older times, reservation was often in a vessel suspended over the altar, called a "pyx" or "hanging pyx."

Te Deum Laudamus - A canticle, traditionally ascribed to Saint Ambrose and often called the "Abrosian Hymn," used at Morning Prayer on Sundays and festivals. (From the first words in Latin, meaning "we praise thee, O God!")

Theotokos - A theological title for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is Greek for "God- bearer," and is usually rendered in English as "Mother of God." Use of this title affirms that Jesus Christ was God incarnate from the moment of his conception.

Tippet - Originally the academic hood or part of the hood. Nowadays generally used for the scarf, worn as part of the normal choir vestment of clergy.

Unction - The sacramental annointing of the sick for physical and spiritual healing.

Vestment - Special apparel worn in the conduct of religious services. The celebrant's Eucharistic vestment consists of the amice, alb, cincture, stole, maniple, and chasuble; a priest's or deacon's choir vestment consists of surplice, hood, and scarf. Often, each item of ecclesiastical apparel is called "a vestment." The cassock is not, strictly speaking, a vestment. Venite - Psalm 95 or, in American use, a canticle based on that psalm, used as the invitatory at daily Morning Prayer. (From the first word of the psalm in Latin, meaning “O come!”)

Vicar - One who acts in place of another. The pastor of a mission or a dependent parish is styled the “vicar,” because he acts in place of the bishop.

top