Incarnation
The doctrine that God took human form in Jesus Christ. It is also the belief
that God in Christ is active in the Church and in the world.
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Orthodox
(i) The Eastern orthodox Church consisting of national Churches (mainly
Greek or Slav), including the ancient Eastern Patriarchates. They hold the
common Orthodox faith, and are in communion with the Partriarchate of Constatinople.
(ii) Conforming to the creeds sanctioned by the ecumenical councils, e.g.
Nicaea, Chalcedon.
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Pulpit
An elevated platform from which sermons are preached. |
Jesus
Christ
The central figure of Christian history and devotion. The second person
of the Trinity.
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Palm
Sunday
The Sunday before Easter, commemorating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
when he was acknowledged by crowds waving palm branches.
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Redemption
Derived from the practice of paying the price of a slave’s freedom; and
so, the work of Jesus Christ in setting people free through his death.
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Lectern
Stand supporting the Bible, often in the shape of an eagle.
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Paschal
Candle
Candle lit during Eastertide to recall the resurrected presence of Jesus.
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Resurrection
(i) The rising from the dead of Jesus Christ on the third day after the
crucifixion (ii) The rising from the dead of believers at the Last Day.
(iii) The new, or risen, life of Christians.
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Lent
Penitential season. The 40 days leading up to Easter.
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Parable
Narrative designed to elucidate meaning. |
Rosary
Beads used as an aid to meditation or prayer.
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Lord
Title used for Jesus to express his divine lordship over people, time and
space.
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Passion
The sufferings of Jesus Christ, especially in the time leading up to his
crucifixion.
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Sacrament
An outward sign of an inward blessing, as in baptism or the Eucharist. |
Lord’s Supper
Alternative term for Eucharist in some Churches (predominantly non-conformist).
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Pentecost
The Greek name for the Jewish Festival of Weeks, or Shavuot, which comes
seven weeks (‘fifty days’) after Passover. On the day of this feast, the
followers of Jesus received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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Sanctuary
The part of the church considered most holy and containing the high altar.
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Love
Doctrine of charity and care towards all.
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Pew
Bench in a church, sometimes enclosed. |
Sin
Sin (original) (i) Act of rebellion or disobedience against the known will
of God. (ii) An assessment of the human condition as disordered and in need
of transformation.
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Mass
Term for the Eucharist, used by the Roman Catholic and other Churches.
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Protestant
That part of the Church which became distinct from the Roman Catholic and
Orthodox Churches when their members professed (or ‘protested’ – hence Protestant)
the centrality of the Bible and other beliefs. Members affirm that the Bible,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate authority for Christian
teaching. |
Son
Description of Jesus Christ as Son of God |
Messiah
Redeemer. Jesus Christ
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Transfiguration
Jesus Christ’s change in form from earthly to heavenly.
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Miracle
Supernatural act of power and often compassion. |
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Trinity
Three persons in one God; doctrine of the three-fold nature of God – Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. |
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Nave
Main aisle of a church.
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New
Testament
Collection of 27 books forming the second section of the Canon of Christian
Scriptures. |
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Old
Testament
That part of the Canon of Christian Scriptures that the Church shares with
Judaism, covering the Hebrew Canon, and in the case of certain denominations,
some books of the Apocrypha. |
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