Aaronic - Ascension Flashcards
absolution.
From Latin: absolvere, “to loosen, set free,” i.e., “forgive.” The pastor pronounces God’s forgiveness either in a direct form (“I absolve/forgive you”) or in a declarative form (“God forgives you all your sins”). Pronounced generally in the Divine Service, individually in private (LSB 292–293).
Aaronic Benediction.
From Numbers 6:24–26, “The LORD bless you and keep you,” etc. “Aaronic” because God commanded Moses to give this blessing to his brother, Aaron, to speak to the people. In Lutheran usage, pronounced at the conclusion of the Divine Service.
acolyte.
Greek: ἀκόλουθος; Latin: acoluthus, “follower, attendant.” Formerly highest order of minor clergy in the Roman Church. In Missouri Synod practice, denotes a lay assistant and is synonymous with altar server. Typically a young person, but may be of any age. Duties include bearing, lighting, and extinguishing candles, receiving the offering, etc. May also serve as crucifer.
ad orientem
(AHD oar-ee-EN-tem). Latin: “toward the east.” Describes the spatial orientation of a pastor facing the altar together with the congregation (i.e., the congregation behind him). Also used in reference to an altar set against the wall, which the pastor faces during the Service of the Sacrament. Rites and ceremonies done facing the altar are said to be “sacrificial,” in contrast to “sacramental.” See versus populum.
agenda.
Latin: lit., “things to be done.” Book containing orders of service for a synod or territory. Formerly an exhaustive church order containing ordinaries and propers for all services; recent agendas contain only occasional rites and services such as Baptisms, weddings, funerals, ordinations, and dedications.
Advent.
From Latin: adventus, “approach, coming.” First season of the Church Year, beginning on Sunday closest to the festival of St. Andrew (November 30) and concluding on December 24. Comprehends three comings of Christ: His first in the flesh, His final in glory, and His ongoing in Word and Sacrament.
Agnus Dei
(AHG-noose DAY-ee). Latin: “Lamb of God.” Ordinary in the Divine Service, the canticle sung after the consecration as the distribution begins. Drawn from the words of John the Baptist (John 1:29). In the context of the Communion rite, a prayer to Christ present in His body and blood to have mercy and grant peace.
alb
From Latin: alba, “white.” Liturgical vestment worn by a pastor with cincture, stole, and often chasuble. Traditionally donned over the head, modern styles feature an overlapping front, fastened at the shoulder. In recent LCMS practice, the standard vestment, especially for the Divine Service.
Alleluia.
Hebrew: הַלְלוּ־יָהּ, lit., “praise the Lord.” (“Hallelujah” approximates the Hebrew spelling, “Alleluia” the Greek.) A word of joy and gladness found in the Book of Psalms and Revelation 19. From ancient custom, alleluias are not said from Transfiguration until Easter,denoting the penitential character of Lent in contrast to Easter. In the Divine Service, it may be accompanied by the Verse, the proper that precedes the reading of the Holy Gospel.
altar.
Raised structure for sacrifice found in many ancient religions. In the Old Testament, place for burning offerings. In Christian usage, the altar is itself a symbol of Christ (it is “vested” with paraments and typically is marked with Christian symbols including five crosses for the wounds of Christ). Place of consecration and distribution of the Lord’s Supper in the Divine Service. By extension, the focal point of the congregation and pastor for offering prayers in all services, though the offices may be conducted without any reference to the altar.
altar rail.
Also “communion rail.” Low rail, typically of wood or stone, distinguishing the chancel from the nave, or dividing the chancel into the sanctuary and choir sections. In many churches, designed to facilitate kneeling for Communion.
alternatim praxis.
Latin: “alternation practice.” An outgrowth of antiphonal chant, the practice of dividing a hymn or other liturgical piece between contrasting musical forces. In the late Middle Ages, can describe the alternation between Latin sequences and vernacular hymns. In the Renaissance, hymns and canticles were often divided (by stanza or verse, respectively) between combinations of unison congregation, choir, and organ settings.
ambo.
Greek: ἄμβων; Latin: ambon. A raised platform with reading desk. Used for both reading and preaching, thus providing a unified place for the proclamation of the Word.
Ambrosian rite.
Also known as the Milanese rite, it is traditionally credited to Ambrose. Though a Western rite, it bears distinctive features of the Eastern rite. Still in use in the Archdiocese of Milan.
amen
Hebrew: אָמֵן; Greek: ἀμήν, “true, certain.” Common congregational response. In response to preaching or confession of faith, a statement of agreement and fellowship; to prayer, a statement of participation. Luther gives two pedagogical definitions in the Small Catechism: “This is most certainly true” (with the Creed) and “Yes, yes, it shall be so” (with the Lord’s Prayer).
