An A-Z guide to terms and language used in the Anglican Church (The Church of England)
Absolution: A declaration, traditionally reserved for ordained ministers, of the forgiveness - wiping away - of sins. It is an announcement of God's gift of forgiveness to the individual who acknowledges his or her short comings in his or her relationship with God and with one another.
Acolyte: A lay man or boy who ministers by assisting in the liturgy.
Advent: The time of preparation immediately before Christmas. The first day of Advent is the Sunday nearest to St Andrew's Day (30 November).
Agnus Dei: Is the canticle "Lamb of God" used in the liturgy of Holy Communion. The text is based on the biblical account of Jesus' Baptism in which John the Baptist refers to Jesus as "the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29b) the origin of the Christian reference to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Since the medieval times the Agnus Dei has been sung as a reference to Christ's crucifixion for the world's salvation.
Aisle: The longitudinal space usually beside and parallel to the nave and/or choir.
Alb: The basic liturgical vestment worn by the ministers at the Holy Eucharist. It is a white linen
gown, closed at the throat and hanging to the ankles, with close sleeves.
Altar: A raised table - often constructed of stone - placed centrally in front of the congregation: used for the celebration of the Eucharist/Holy Communion. The stone or wooden table at which the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. The altar is sometimes called the "holy table."
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.
Anaphora: See Sursum Corda.
Anglican: Derived from the Latin Ecclesia Anglicana meaning the English Church. The word is applied to the world wide communion of churches which are derived from the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Episcopal Church of Scotland, and the Church of Ireland.
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 they continue in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Archbishop: The chief bishop in an episcopal church who has authority over a province. An archbishop has precedence over other bishops and dioceses. He is a metropolitan bishop and his Cathedral is a metropolitan church, i.e. Canterbury and York in the Church of England or otherwise has primacy of honour or authority over other bishops.
Archdeacon: A bishop's administrative officer; also engaged in the practical, legal, and pastoral work in his part of the diocese. 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. (In England, a diocese may be divided into two or more archdeaconries for administrative purposes, with an archdeacon in charge of each.)
Archdeaconry: Part of a diocese, see archdeacon.
Aspergillium: The Aspergillium is a stick-shaped implement with holes in it to dip into the Aspersory and catch the Holy Water for sprinkling the people and things.
Aspersory: The Aspersory is a container for holding Holy Water.
Aumbrey: Wall Safe for keeping the sacrament in.
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." A sacrament whereby a person is admitted to the Christian Church.
Biretta: A kind of cap worn by the clergy. In the eighteenth century it was transformed from the soft, functional headwear seen in Renaissance paintings into a stiff, ornamental thing characterized by three vertical ridges and topped with a pompom. English custom retained a softer form, but developed four sharp corners; the English square the cap is now often called a "Canterbury cap." (The academic "mortarboard" is a further development of the same type of cap.)
Bishop: A clergyman in the highest order. Bishops are ordained as pastors over a particular church (i.e., a diocese), and have the ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church. (The word comes from the Greek "episkopos," meaning "overseer.")
Bishopric: The area of responsibility of a Bishop.
Bishop's Throne: The seat in a Cathedral occupied by a bishop, from the Greek cathedra meaning seat.
Blessing or Benediction: Is the blessing of the congregation announced by the presiding minister at the close of a liturgy. The Sign of the Cross, a longstanding tradition at the benediction, is a reminder of one’s Baptism.
Boat: See Thurible.
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 latest American edition is that of 1928 and the latest Canadian edition is that of 1962.
Boss: The carved stone or wooden knob at the intersection of a groined roof.
Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness: A confessional order (led by an ordained pastor) and may be used prior to the Holy Communion liturgy. This brief rite is in preparation for the Eucharistic liturgy, but not a part of it.
Burse: A 10-inch square container to hold the Corporal. The burse covers the chalice before the Mass, with the opening of the burse facing toward the priest. (The leather pouch used to hold the pyx is also called a burse)
Buttress: Typically a short 'stub' wall supporting the main wall or tower; a projection from a wall to create additional strength and support.
Canon: A member of clergy on the staff of a Cathedral or collegiate church, or a title of honour within a diocese. 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.
Canons Residentiary: A small group of clergy who are concerned with the business and pastoral affairs of their Cathedral.
Canticle: A short song consisting of verses of Scripture set to music, sung in the liturgy.
Cassock: A close fitting garment of full length fastening up to the neck, normally black and worn as outdoor dress by clergy and vergers.
Cathdera: The official chair of the bishop in the cathedral (or pro-cathedral) of his diocese.
Cathedral: The principal church of a diocese; the church which contains the Bishop's Throne.
Catholic: The word catholic means universal, and as applied to the church refers to its worldwide extension, its unbroken tradition going back to the Apostles, and its adherence to the wholeness of the Christian belief. In common usage the word is often used to refer to the Roman Church. However, Anglicans and Orthodox also use it as a description of their churches. After 1054 the Western Church was called Catholic and the Eastern Church, Orthodox.
Celebrant: The priest who officiates at the Eucharist.
Censer: See Thurible.
Chalice: A vessel used during the celebration of the Eucharist for the sacramental wine.
Chalice veil: Small silk cloth, of the same colour as the priest's vestments, used to cover the Chalice.
Chancel: (i) The eastern part of a church (often called the sanctuary); usually the area containing the choir and altar, from the Latin cancellus meaning lattice. (ii) a screen, or lattice work, by which a chancel was separated from the nave, mainly in medieval times. 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").
Chancel Arch: An arch separating the nave from the Chancel.
Chancellor: One of the dignitaries in an old foundation Cathedral concerned with the Cathedral school and the library, every diocese also has a lay chancellor as its legal officer.
Chapel: (i) A place of Christian worship not being a parish church or Cathedral church. (ii) an area set aside (partly of a private character and partly public) for worship within a large church or Cathedral.
Chaplain: A priest or deacon, usually attached to an institution for pastoral ministry, also the post of an assistant to the bishop. 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.
Chapter: (i) A corporate title for the Dean and Chapter of a Cathedral who are responsible for all aspects of the life of a Cathedral. (ii) a meeting of the Dean and Chapter under the chairmanship of its Dean. (iii) 'General' Chapter of a Cathedral includes its non-residentiary canons and honorary canons. (iv) the meeting of the clergy of an area of a diocese under the chairmanship of their Rural Dean.
Chapter House: The place set aside for business meetings; a place where a Chapter sometimes still meets for business.
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.
Childermas: The Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28.
Chimere: A sleeveless gown worn over the rochet by a bishop as part of his normal choir dress. The chimere may be either of black satin (ordinary) or of red silk (convocation). It apparently derives from the academic costume of a doctor of theology, and so is unrelated to the similar continental gown called a "manteletta."
Christian: The name given (by others) to the followers of Jesus Christ.
Christmas: The annual celebration of Christ's birth: the selection of 25 December in the West was influenced by the Roman practice around the year 366AD.
Choir: The part of the church used for an organised body of singers, also applied to those who sing there, usually eastward of the nave. More recent spelling of the earlier word Quire, also see chancel. 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."
Choir Aisle: Passageway running parallel to the choir, see aisle.
Chorister: A member of the choir, specifically a choirboy.
Christendom: The view of a community of Christian nations in Europe under the joint authority of the Pope and Emperor, dominant in medieval western Europe; the parts of the world in which Christianity is the most common religion.
Church: A building for public Christian worship; a corporate name applied to all Christians.
Church Year: Is the organization of the seasons, festivals and commemorations in which the Church proclaims and participates in the mystery of Christ's life, death and resurrection. The church year is divided into three sections, (a) the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany cycle, (b) the Lent, Holy Week, and Easter cycle which includes the Day of Pentecost, and (c) the time of the Church, the Sundays after Pentecost, a time of spiritual growth and learning. During the church year, there are days in which the lives of saints or events are commemorated.
Ciborium: A chalice-shaped vessel with a lid used to hold consecrated Hosts for distribution during the Communion of the faithful. It can be made of any material as long as the inside is gilded. It is kept in the Tabernacle between Masses, covered with a white veil (which can be decorated with precious metals).
Cincture: A rope or band of fabric or leather worn around the waist of an alb or cassock. If it is worn on a cassock it denotes the incumbent or Parish Priest.
City: From the Latin civitas meaning citizen, a town or borough which is, or has been, an episcopal see. This definition is not strictly adhered to and there are many exceptions. Some cities are so called because of their industrial/municipal importance.
Clerestory: The uppermost storey of a church above the nave aisle roof, the area is pierced by a series of window openings to allow daylight to enter the main body of the building.
Clergy: A general term for a body or group of ordained people.
Cloister: Covered arcaded walkway around an enclosed area which is usually lawned and called the Garth.
Close: The precinct of a Cathedral; an area of buildings which are usually occupied by the clergy who are engaged in the administration of the Cathedral.
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. A sacrament usually carried out in adolescence following an infant Baptism; a course of instruction in the Christian faith precedes confirmation which is the rite whereby the Grace of the Holy Spirit is conveyed following the renewal of baptismal vows.
Consistory Court: A court (often a building) where bishops or their representatives administer church law.
Cope: An ornamental cape, often of silk, in the liturgical colour, worn by clergy (and some others) in processions and on solemn occasions. The rubrics of the English Book of
Common Prayer permit the wearing of the cope for the celebration of the Eucharist (as the
cope and chasuble both derived originally from the same item of apparel, the paenula).
Corporal: A blessed square linen cloth which is spread out by the priest in the middle of the Altar. From the Catholic Encylopedia, "after it [the corporal] is washed, bleached, and ironed, it is folded into three equal parts, both in its length and in its width, i.e. the anterior part is folded over the middle; then the posterior part is turned down over the anterior part; after this the part at the priest's right is folded over the middle, and finally the part at the priest's left is folded over these. The corporal is placed in the burse in such a manner that the edge of the last fold is towards the opening of the burse."
Creed: From the Latin for "I believe", the creed is a statement of the beliefs of the church. The three ecumenical creeds are: (1) The Apostles' Creed, which grew from a simple confession at baptism into its present form by about 750 AD. It is a summary of the teaching of the apostles and continues to serve primarily as the baptismal confession of faith.(2) The Nicene Creed, adopted at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, and expanded by the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD. The Nicene Creed was first used in the Eucharistic liturgies in the Eastern Church in the fifth century. By the eleventh century it had spread throughout Europe and had become a standard part of the communion liturgies of the western church and, (3) The Athanasian Creed was named for Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, who died in 373. However, this creed was probably written by others at a much later period. This creed is characterized by its stress on the doctrines of the Trinity and of the Incarnation. Normally, we confess our faith in the communion service by saying the Nicene creed at the appointed time in the liturgy. The Apostle’s Creed is said in Morning and Evening Prayer.
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.)
Crossing: Area where the north-south transept crosses the main east-west axis of a cruciform, or cross-shaped, church.
Crucifer: One who carries the processional cross.
Cruets: These vessels hold the water and wine before Consecration
Curate: An assistant minister in a parish, either a priest or a deacon, occasionally the minister of a parish.
Custodia: See Pyx.
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: From the Greek diakonos meaning servant, used to refer to the lowest Order in the Christian ministry, below the priest and bishop. The term is for both men and women who may undertake the tasks assigned to priests except presiding at Holy Communion and hearing confessions. A clergy person 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: The head of the chapter in a collegiate or Cathedral church; a Cathedral dean is also the senior priest of the diocese. 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.")
Deanery: (i) The official residence of a dean. (ii) the term used for a group of parishes.
Diocese: The area or district under the pastoral and administrative care of a bishop. 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.
Easter: The oldest and principle feast of the Christian church celebrating the resurrection of Christ; The usual statement, that Easter Day is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs next after the vernal equinox, is not a precise statement of the actual ecclesiastical rules. The full moon involved is not the astronomical Full Moon but an ecclesiastical moon (determined from tables) that keeps, more or less, in step with the astronomical Moon.
The ecclesiastical rules are: 1. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or after the day of the vernal equinox; 2. This particular ecclesiastical full moon is the 14th day of a tabular lunation (new moon); 3. The vernal equinox is fixed as March 21. Resulting in that Easter can never occur before March 22 or later than April 25.
The Gregorian dates for the ecclesiastical full moon come from the Gregorian tables. Therefore, the civil date of Easter depends upon which tables - Gregorian or pre-Gregorian - are used. The western (Roman Catholic and Protestant) Christian churches use the Gregorian tables; many eastern (Orthodox) Christian churches use the older tables based on the Julian Calendar.
Ecclesiastical: Pertaining to matters concerning the institutional aspects of the church.
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."
Effigy: A representation of a person or head of a person, often a sculptured figure.
Epiclesis: An invocation of the Holy Spirit by the priest during the Echaristic prayer, to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus.
Epiphany: From the Greek "manifestation" or "appearance" is the festival on January 6 celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the world and recalling the visit of the magi. The season of Epiphany follows until the Transfiguration of our Lord (the Sunday before Ash Wednesday). This season bridges the Christmas cycle of Christ's incarnation with the Lent cycle of his passion.
Episcopal: Pertaining to a bishop: episcopacy - the government of churches by bishops.
Egg Sunday: Quinquagesima Sunday, or the Sunday before Lent, in English customary usage. (The name apparently refers to this being a last opportunity for high living before the Lenten fast.) In the seventeenth century, the secular observance of "Egg Saturday" involved the playing of pranks by youngsters and students.
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.") Also called the sacrament of the Mass, or the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion.
Evangelism: Proclaiming the Christian gospel; an activity designed to spread Christianity.
Evening Prayer (often called "Evensong"): The daily evening service of prayer, praise, and Scripture readings.
Fair Linen: (From the Anglo-Saxon, "clean," "spotless"): A cloth of fine linen which covers the top of the altar on top of the frontal and which hangs down at either end a short distance or to the floor. It is usually embroidered with five crosses (at each corner and in the center) to represent the five wounds of Jesus, since the cloth represents the winding sheet in which the body of Jesus was wrapped when it was taken from the cross.
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.) Also called a Red Letter Day because it used to be entered into the Service Register in red ink.
Font: The fixture containing the water in which baptisms are performed. It is usually made of stone.
Foundation: Pertaining to the establishment of Cathedrals: about half of the medieval Cathedrals were monastic, and half were secular. There are nine Old Foundation secular Cathedrals in England, including Lichfield. With the dissolution of the monasteries during the Reformation the monks in monastic Cathedrals were replaced by secular clergy and were given a new constitution by Henry VIII. Those Cathedrals are known as Cathedrals of the New Foundation, but Cathedrals which had always had secular clergy retained their old constitutions with deans and canons, and are known as Cathedrals of the Old Foundation.
Friars: Men in religious orders committed to work in the world. Examples of friars are Franciscans and Dominicans.
Friends: An association of people who work together for the benefit of a church or Cathedrals.
Gallery: Floor area above a church aisle looking down on to the nave; sometimes a balcony containing seats.
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.")
Gospel: The Good News of Christ proclaimed by the church: the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John which are part of the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
Gothic: Style of architecture with pointed arches and clustered columns, late 12th to mid 16th centuries.
Grisaille: Window glass of greyish tone.
Groin: The angle formed by an intersection of vaults, the principle ribs formed at the intersection of the ceiling surfaces of a cross vault.
Hallowmas: The Feast of All Saints (or "All Hallows"), November 1. (Hallowe[v]en is the vigil of All Hallows' Day.)
Halo: a bright light, usually circular and positioned above or behind a saint's head.
High Altar: The chief altar in a Cathedral or church.
Holy: Refers to the majesty and purity of God; persons and things may be called holy in so far as they participate in the holiness.
Holy Communion: The central act of Christian worship: thanksgiving; the receiving of the consecrated bread and wine as in Eucharist.
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.)
Holy Week: The week before Easter, beginning with the Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) and ending with the Triduum (Maundy Thursday through Easter vigil).
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.
Intinction: The practice of dipping the host into the wine and administering both elements at once. It is sometimes a useful method for communing the sick.
Kyrie: A litany of intercession at the beginning of the Holy Communion liturgy which was introduced in the church in Jerusalem as early as the fourth century. By the fifth century, this "Deacon's Litany" had spread throughout the church, and it continued to be in litany form until the eighth century, when the litany form disappeared and only the responses, "Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison" survived. In the Lutheran Book of Worship it is a series of petitions, for the church, the world and ourselves, offered by the deacon, to which the congregation responds: "Lord, have mercy".
Lady Chapel: A chapel dedicated in honour of the Virgin Mary: usually at the east end of a church behind the high altar and often a major architectural unit.
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.")
Lammas (Day): The Feast of Saint Peter in Chains, August 1. "Lammas" is supposed to come from the Old or Middle English words for "Loaf Mass," indicating a offering of the first fruits of the fields.
Lavabo: Finger Towels, These may be made of any material (preferably linen) and are used at the lavabo and after Communion
Lectern: A reading desk usually supported on a column from which the lessons are read. In some churches the lectern is in the shape of an eagle which is the symbol of St. John the Evangelist. In some churches you may see a portable lectern with a similar folding mechanism like a deck chair. In the early church the lectern was known as the ambo.
Lectionary: A table appointing Scripture lessons to be read at services, or a book containing the readings. (1) a course of readings. There are three such in the Lutheran Book of Worship: the three-year cycle of readings for the Eucharist, the one-year cycle of readings for the Eucharist, the Daily Lectionary for public and private use in Daily Prayer. (2) The book in which these readings are written out for the convenience of those who read the lessons.
Legilium: Folding lectern.
Lent: The forty day season of penitence and preparation for the Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Lent is the first part in the Easter cycle of the Church Year.
Library: A room for the keeping of books and manuscripts, many of which are old, beautiful and rare examples.
Litany: An organized form of prayer and intercession, inherited from Judaism, widely used in Christianity from its early centuries. It includes a congregation response to each group of petitions. It may be used in procession during the seasons of Advent and Lent.
Liturgy: Comes from the Greek, meaning "the work of the people". It is the collection rites and ceremonies of the Church offered for the adoration of God and the sanctification of God's people. This word is connected to the order of service (also called the Mass) used in the Holy Communion.
Magnificat: A canticle, the Song of Mary, (The Virgin Mary's song of praise to the Lord) 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.").
Martinmas: The Feast of Saint Martin of Tours, November 11.
Mass: A title of the Eucharist used by the Roman Catholic Church and the High Church of the Church of England.
Mattins or Matins: Morning prayers; the morning office, sometimes extended to a full service with hymns and a sermon.
Maundy Thursday: Thursday in Holy Week, known more correctly as Holy Thursday, 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.
Maundy, Royal: The symbolic distribution of money by the reigning monarch on the Thursday before Easter (Maundy Thursday).
Mercia: The Anglo-Saxon kingdom in the Midlands (England).
Metropolitan: The chief bishop of a province (originally the bishop of the "mother city"--in Greek "meter polis"--of the province).
Misericord: a carved bracket under a hinged seat in the choir stalls giving support or 'mercy' to the clergy during the long services at which they were required to stand.
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.
Monstrance (or "Ostensorium" or "Ostensory"): A gold or silver vessel, often in a sunburst shape, with a clear glass area, called a "luna," for viewing the Sacrament. The Host is kept in place inside the crystal or glass frame by a crescent shaped gold or silver gilded clip called a "lunette." The monstrance is used during Benedictions and processions, etc., for adoration by the faithful. It doesn't require a blessing, but it should be blessed.
Morning Prayer (also called "Matins): The daily morning service of prayer, praise, and Scripture reading.
Mundatory: See purificator.
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].
New Foundation: Cathedrals of new dioceses set up by King Henry VIII on the basis of dissolved monastic houses; the Cathedrals which were given a new constitution by King Henry VIII (see foundation).
Nunc dimittis: The song of Simeon used at Evensong (Luke 2 vv. 29ff).
Offering: The gifts of the people of God given in response to the love of God. It is a gathering and presentation, not only of money, but of the bread and wine which will be used in the celebration of the Holy Communion. As Jesus gave his life for all the people of the world, we thank God and offer to him all that we have, our lives, our time, and our possessions. During the gathering of the gifts, the ministers prepare the table for the meal.
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.
Office: The community prayers and readings at set hours of the day (originally a monastic term).
Old Foundation: The pre-Reformation Cathedrals (see foundation).
Oratory: A private chapel, often in a home or institution (such as a hospital or rest home).
Ordained (Minister): A member of one of the three Orders of clergy: Bishop, Priest, and Deacon.
Orders (usually "Holy Orders): The sacrament by which men and women 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.
Ordination: The conveying of spiritual authority by a bishop. The laying on of hands by a bishop to make a deacon, ordain a priest, and consecrate a bishop (at least three bishops are required to ordain a priest as a bishop).
Ostensorium: A Monstrance-see Monstrance.
Ostensory: A Monstrance-see Monstrance.
Pall: A blessed, stiff square piece of linen, sometimes decorated with a Cross or other embroidery, used to cover the Chalice to prevent impurities from falling into it. If it is embroidered or made of silk, the side touching the Chalice must still be made of linen. Another type of pall is the cloth used to cover coffins at Requiem Masses.
Paraments: A general name for the cloths in the liturgical colors used on the altar, pulpit and lectern.
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).
Paschal Candle: A massive candle, 2 or 3 inches in diameter and 3 or 4 feet in length, used during Easter to show the presence of the risen Christ among his people and therefore also used at baptisms and funerals as a sign of dying and rising with Christ, of our death and his life.
Paten: The consecrated gold or gilded silver plate on which the Sacred Host is laid. Only priests or deacons are allowed to touch the Paten (though sacristans may in the course of their duties). A Communion Paten has a handle and is held under the chin of one receiving the Eucharist so that in case the Host is dropped, it won't fall to the floor.
Pax: The Latin word for 'peace'.
Peace: A profound action which is a sign of mutual acceptance, reconciliation, love and baptismal unity in which the people of God share the peace of God with each other. The sharing of God's peace is a response to the good news of Jesus Christ which has been proclaimed, and at the same time an act in preparation for the Communion which follows.
Penance: The sacramental reconciliation of penitents by confession and absolution.
Pentecost: The season of the Church Year between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday in Advent. This season is about six months long and is a season for growth, renewal, and learning. The length of the Pentecost season is determined by the date set for Easter.
Pericope: (From The Greek, "A Section") Portions of the Bible that are appointed to be read in the services of the church.
Prayer Book (formally, "Book of Common Prayer"): A book containing the authorized forms of services and for the administration of the sacrament; the first Prayer Book was published in 1549, and the most recent were published in 1928 (USA) and 1962 (Canada).
Prebend: A Cathedral benefice; the share of revenues from it - it no longer applies.
Prebendal Stall: A seat, usually in the back row of the choir stalls, where a prebendary sits.
Prebendary: A canon: the holder of a prebend; the holder of a disendowed prebendal stall.
Preface Dialogue: (See also Sursum Corda) The introductory portion of the Great Thanksgiving, based on the ancient Jewish meal ritual which is a salutation by the people and the presiding minister with the words: "Lift up your hearts", "Let us give thanks to the Lord our God" (from Lamentations 3: 41) and the response "It is right to give him thanks and praise".
Prelate: A high ranking church official; in Anglican use, the word almost always signifies a bishop. In continental use, other dignatories, such as archdeacons, deans, canons, etc., may be styled "minor prelates."
Presbyter: Another name for a priest.
Presbytery: (i) the sanctuary, or eastern part of the chancel beyond the choir. (ii) in the Roman Catholic Church it is the residence of the priest.
Precentor: A priest responsible for the choral services.
Priest (or Presbyter): A clergyman or woman ordained for the care of souls and the administration of the sacraments. An ordained member of the clergy empowered to celebrate the Eucharist and to pronounce the absolution of sins (second in line of ordained seniority: bishop, priest, deacon). A person must serve as a deacon for a time (normatively, one year) before they may be ordained to the priesthood. (The word comes from the Greek "presbuteros," meaning "elder.")
Priest Vicar: A priest was acts as cantor, normally with a Cathedral choir.
Primate: The senior bishop of a country. The title given to the archbishop of a province. 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."
Proper Preface: Follows the Preface Dialogue and expresses reason for giving thanks and for praising God. These words vary from season to season within the Church Year. The proper preface concludes by acknowledging that the worshipping assembly is joined to that of the whole Church in heaven and on earth.
Province: A federation of dioceses, usually geographically contiguous. A group of dioceses under the care of an archbishop. England is divided into two Provinces: the Province of Canterbury is the Southern Province; the Province of York is the Northern Province.
Psalm: A psalm or portion of a psalm appointed for use immediately after the first lesson is read. Following the practice from the early temple and synagogue, Christians make regular use of the psalms in their homes, at Eucharistic celebrations and at prayer. At Reformation, the psalm is sung or said between the cantor or lector and the congregation.
Psalter: The book of Psalms in the Bible, especially as appointed for use in the daily services
of Morning and Evening Prayer.
Pulpit: A raised structure, usually enclosed, from which the sermon is preached.
Purificator (or "Mundatory" or "Purificatory"): Rectangular piece of linen or hemp used to wipe the Chalice before the Offertory and after Communion, the priest's lips and fingers. It requres no special blessing.
Purificatory: See Purificator.
Pyx: A vessel used to contain the consecrated bread of the sacrament.A small container, also called a custodia, used to carry the Sacred Host when taking it to the sick and homebound. It is made of the same material as the Ciborium, gilt on the inside.
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 or woman admitted and licensed to conduct Church services in the absence of a priest.
Rector: The pastor of a parish. A title given to an incumbent of certain parishes, originally those which retained their titles. Once instituted as the rector of a parish, a clergyman or woman may not be removed except for good cause in accordance with canon law.
Rectory: The residence of a rector.
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.)
Reredos: An ornamental screen of stone or wood behind and above the altar.
Retrochoir: The part of a Cathedral church which lies behind the high altar, see also Lady Chapel.
Reverend: The: A title of honour for an ordained person. (It should always be prefixed by the definite article (The)).
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.
Sacrist: An official in charge of the sacred vessels and vestments.
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 in which the high altar stands. In medieval times the right of safe conduct granted to those the fled pursuit and could grasp the church door knocker.
Sanctus and Benedictus: Is the song of the seraphim from Isaiah 6: 3 and Matthew 21: 9, "Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might". It probably dates from the second century liturgy and recalls both the heavenly vision of the prophet Isaiah and the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Scamnum: A bench in the sanctuary used by acolytes or assisting clergy.
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.
Sedilla: A set of seats (usually three) for the clergy by the south wall of the chancel.
See: Properly the official 'seat', or 'throne' of the bishop in his Cathedral, (extended to refer to the town or area in which a bishop exercises authority).
Sermon: An address proclaiming the gospel. Can also be called The Address or Homily.
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.
Sign of The Cross: Is an action which recalls and proclaims Christ's death on the cross and our union with him through our Baptism. It is normally done by moving the fingers of the right hand from forehead to chest, then from left to right shoulder, and then to the centre of the chest. It is often made (a) as the Trinitarian invocation is spoken, at the beginning of the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness and when it is repeated during the Absolution, (b) at the announcement of the Holy Gospel, (c) at the Creed when reference is made to eternal life, (c) during the Sanctus as "Blessed is he" is sung, (d) before and after receiving the Holy Communion, and (e) as the presiding minister concludes the closing Benediction.
Song School: A room used for the teaching and practice of vocal music.
Spire: A tall pyramid or cone-like structure built on a tower.
Spy Wednesday: Wednesday in Holy Week, so-called on account of Judas's agreement with the high priests, made on the Wednesday before the Crucifixion, to betray Jesus.
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 or her stole over the left shoulder with the ends crossed under his right arm.
Sub-Deacon: A sub-deacon, (can be a lay or ordained member of the congregation) is the second assisting minister (along with the deacon ) at the celebration of the Holy Communion. The sub-deacon normally reads the second lesson for the day.
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."
Sursum Corda: The Sursum Corda (Latin for "Lift up your hearts") is the opening dialogue to the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer or Anaphora in the liturgies of the Christian Church, dating back to the third century and the Anaphora of Hippolytus. (See also Preface Dialogue).
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." See also Aumbrey.
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!")
Tenebrae: Tenebrae (Latin for shadows) is a religious service celebrated by the Western Church on the eves of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, which are the last three days of Holy Week.
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.
Thurible (or "Censer") and Boat: A thurible is the incense burner used at Mass. It hangs from chains so it can be swung to incense people and things. The boat is where the incense is stored until it is placed in the thurbible.
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.
Transept: Transverse arm of a cruciform, or cross-shaped, church, usually of north/south axis, crossing the east/west axis of the navechancel and Triforium.
Triduum: The three holy days from Maundy Thursday through the vigil of Easter which focus on Christ's passage from death to life.
Triforium: Arcaded passage above the aisle opening on to the body of the church; the middle stage between the nave arcade and clerestory.
Trinitarian Formula: The words "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" are the words spoken by the presiding minister during the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. The basis for this formula is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19.
Triptych: Three hinged and painted panels usually depicting a religious scene, sometimes used as an altar piece.
Tympanum: A panel of stone, often carved with relief sculpture, filling an arch above the lintel of an opening.
Unction: The sacramental annointing of the sick for physical and spiritual healing.
Undercroft: The basement of a church or chapel; the parish hall is often located in the undercroft, and sometimes, especially in Gothic cathedrals, there are additional chapels there as well.
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!")
Verger (Virger): A lay official who carries a symbol of office before church dignitaries; also one who is responsible for cleanliness and good order in the church.
Vestibule: The enclosed, or partially enclosed, space in front of the main entrance.
Vestry: A room for the housing of church records and vestments where the clergy and choir change and prepare for services.
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. In England, in former times, a parish might have a non-resident rector (sometimes an institution, rather than a priest) who appropriated the tithes of the parish and hired a vicar to fulfil the pastoral duties. A priest caring for a parish.
Vicar general: A clergyman who acts as the bishop's deputy in administrative matters. During the vacancy of a see (i.e., between the death or disability of the bishop and the enthronement of his successor), the Ecclesiastical Authority may appoint an administrator
to assume the duties of a vicar general; in such a case the administrator's proper title is "vicar capitular" (because he acts in place of the "chapter"--i.e., the Standing Committee--of the diocese).
Visitor: An official charged with visiting a church institution (such as a school or monastery) to inspect the records and to correct errors or abuses. When a diocesan see is vacant (as after the death of its bishop), a bishop is appointed as "episcopal visitor."
Vicarage: The house or residence of a vicar.
Vicars Choral: Men whose duty it is to sing the services in Cathedral of the old foundations, they are called lay clerks in Cathedrals of the new foundation.
Virge: A wand or rod of office.
West Front: Most often the main entrance to a Cathedral or church.
Word: This part of the Mass comes from the rich treasure of Scripture. This encounter with the living God includes the readings, the Sermon proclaiming the Word of God, the Hymn of the Day responding to the word, and the Prayers of the People in which we pray for the Church, the people of the world, and those who suffer or are in need.
Words of Institution: That portion of the Eucharistic Prayer (spoken only by the presiding minister) which recalls and proclaims the actions and words of Jesus during the institution of the Holy Communion in the Upper Room. The Words of Institution - "Take and eat...", and "Take and Drink.....", are a harmony of the four New Testament accounts of the institution of the Lords' Supper. These words have been a part of the Holy Communion liturgy since the days of the apostles.
.gif){kind=small}