Episcopal Terminology Flashcards
acolyte
From the Greek for “to follow”; a liturgical assistant (often but not necessarily a young person) who serves in such various roles as crucifer, torchbearer, banner-bearer, book-bearer, candle-lighter, and server.
Advent
From the Latin for “coming”; the four weeks before Christmas which constitute the first season of the liturgical year.
Advent wreath
A wreath with four (or five) candles, used during the four weeks of Advent (with the fifth candle lit at Christmas).
affusion
The most common form for baptism, in which water is poured over the head of the one being baptized.
Agnus Dei
An anthem said or sung just before the administration of Communion, beginning, “O Lamb of God.
alb
Full-length white vestment used in worship since the sixth century; usually worn with a rope cincture. Worn by presiding and assisting ministers, acolytes, and sometimes choristers.
alms
Financial contributions used for outreach to the needy or the suffering.
alms bason or basin
A shallow bowl, usually metal or wood, used to collect and present monetary offerings.
altar
Table in the chancel used for the celebration of the Holy Communion. It is the central furnishing of the sanctuary.
altar rail
Railing enclosing the chancel at which people stand or kneel to receive Holy Communion.
ambo
A pulpit, reading desk, or lectern from which Scripture is read and sometimes the Gospel preached.
Amen
From the Hebrew for “truly” or “so be it,” it represents an affirmation at the end of a prayer.
antependium
Fabric decoration for the pulpit, lectern, or altar that “hangs in front” of it.
Apocrypha
Term used in some traditions to describe additional books of Scripture that were later not included in the Hebrew Bible, but formed a part of the second-century BCE Greek translation; called Deuterocanonical (“second canon”) in the Roman Catholic tradition. Distinguished from the apocryphal books that are not included in any Bible.
apse
The semicircular (or polygonal) projection or alcove at the end of the chancel in traditional church architecture.
archbishop
A bishop who leads a province. The Episcopal Church does not use this term for its bishops.
archdeacon
A senior church leader (usually ordained, and often a priest) who exercises a role in a subdivision of a diocese or with a specific portfolio of tasks.
Ascension Day
Principal feast occurring 40 days after Easter Day, celebrating Christ’s ascension into heaven.
ashes
Symbol of repentance and mortality used in the Ash Wednesday liturgy; made by burning palms from previous year.
Ash Wednesday
First day of Lent; occurs between February 4 and March 10. Name derives from the traditional practice of imposing ashes on worshipers’ foreheads as a sign of penitence.
asperges [əˈspɜr dʒiz] (noun)
The ceremony of sprinkling with holy water.
aspersorium [æs pər ˈsɔr i əm] (noun)
The vessel used to carry the blessed water for sprinkling.
aspergillium [æs pər ‘dʒɪl əm]
The sprinkler (sometimes a leafy branch or small bouquet, often a metal rod with a receptacle attached).
assistant (priest)
“A priest who serves a parish at the selection and under the direction of the rector. Sometimes called a curate or associate.”
assistant bishop
A bishop who serves under contract to a diocese other than the one to which elected originally, under the direction of the diocesan bishop.
assisting bishop
A bishop (usually having resigned from a previous jurisdiction, and often in retirement) who assists a diocese by performing some episcopal functions.
aumbry [ˈæm bri]: (Sometimes spelled ambry
A small cupboard usually attached to a wall of the sanctuary, in which the holy oils may be kept.
baptism
The sacrament of water and the Holy Spirit, in which we are joined to Christ’s death and resurrection and initiated into the church. Usually performed by affusion (pouring water over the head of one held or leaning over a font) or immersion (pouring water over one standing in the font, or lowered into it) rather than submersion (being completely lowered under the surface).
Baptismal Covenant
Statements of belief and promises made by baptizands and their sponsors, and the entire assembly, during the baptismal liturgy, and at times of the year as a renewal of those promises.
baptistery
The area in which the baptismal font is located; sometimes a separate chapel.
Benedictus: (benn-eh-DIK-tus)
Latin title for the Gospel canticle “Blessed be the God of Israel,” in Morning Prayer, from Luke 1:68–79. Also refers to “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” in the Eucharist
blue
Liturgical color for Advent in some churches; symbolizes hope; sometimes used for feasts of the Virgin Mary.
boat
A small vessel, usually of metal, used to carry incense. Sometimes carried by a boat bearer to assist the thurifer.
Book of Common Prayer
Abbreviated BCP, this is the official worship formulary of Anglican churches; the version used in the Episcopal Church is based on the English edition of 1662, revised in 1785–1789 to include portions of the 1549 version; further revised in 1892, 1928, and 1979.
Book of Occasional Services
A collection of authorized rites supplemental to those in the Book of Common Prayer.
burse
Square fabric-covered case in which the communion linens are often carried to and from the altar.
candlelighter
Long-handled device used to light and extinguish candles
candlestick
Ornamental base holder for candle.
canon
1) The officially recognized content of the Bible, varying from church to church; 2) A church law; 3) A clerical title indicating a role in the governance of a cathedral, or on the staff of a bishop; sometimes honorary.
cassock
Full-length black garment worn as part of the clergy habit (and also by some acolytes and choristers). Bishops and deans of cathedrals sometimes wear a cassock in violet or purple.
catechumen
A person (usually an adult or older youth) preparing for Holy Baptism through a process of formation and special rites leading up to baptism, often at the Easter Vigil.
