Church Words

The Book of Common Prayer

Since we are using "all-word" programs for our Sunday services, some worshippers are unfamiliar with the red Book of Common Prayer which is in all the pews. It contains all of the services of the Episcopal Church--from Birth to Death ... and everything in between. It is through our common worship that Episcopalians learn what it means to be a member of Christ's Church and what we believe as Anglican Christians.

The first Book of Common Prayer was compiled in 1549 as a means of bringing people together through a common expression of worship (Common Prayer), thus enabling people to express themselves in their own language rather than in Latin which for centuries had been the language of the church.

Our American Prayer Book has been revised several times (the first dates from 1787). The latest revision was in 1978. During this summer and fall, we are using three proposed Eucharistic liturgies which may eventually become part of future Prayer Book revisions.
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Canon

Someone once said that a CANON is a 'big gun of high caliber." In the Episcopal Church, there are several meanings to the word. One refers to the rules and regulations that govern the Episcopal Church--"Canon Law." A "Cathedral Canon" is one appointed to assist the Dean. My role as Canon Precentor concerns Music and Worship, the Canon Pastor is involved with all aspects of pastoral ministry, and our Canon of Discipleship is especially involved in ministering to newcomers-- though all of us share in every aspect of the Cathedral's ministry. A "Canon to the Ordinary" is a priest appointed to assist the Bishop. There are also "Honorary Canons" who have been recognized by a diocese for their outstanding contribution to the life of the Church.
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Cathedral

What is a Cathedral and how is it different from other churches in the Diocese of Northern California?

The word Cathedral comes from a Latin word that means CHAIR ("cathedra")--and for a very good reason. A Cathedral is not only "the seat of the Bishop" but it also is the place where his "chair" is located. From earliest times, bishops have been called to be chief pastors and teachers. It was the custom for teachers to instruct while seated, which is why universities and colleges have department "chairs."

The "cathedra" represents a Bishop's teaching ministry as well as his or her authority and presence as chief pastor. Trinity Cathedral is both a parish church as well as the "mother church" of the Diocese of Northern California and, as such, we have the responsibility of ministering to the needs of our Diocese by providing educational and spiritual opportunities.

While the bishop's chair or "cathedra" symbolizes the bishop's presence among us as chief pastor, the Dean and vestry are responsible for the cathedral's day to day program, mission, and outreach.
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Episcopal

What is the significance of the word Episcopal?

Episcopal comes to us from two Greek words--epi (over or above) and scopus (sight)--"oversight." The first bishops were ordained to be successors to the Apostles and were given oversight of the ever growing number of First Century congregations. The Anglican church is one of the historic churches which has bishops in historical succession. Others include the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Swedish Communions.

When we became independent of the Church of England at the time of the American Revolution, the name Episcopal was chosen. We were influenced by the Anglican (Episcopal) Church in Scotland which had also separated from the Church of England because it, being a "state" church, was and still is responsible to the English Parliament and the Crown.
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Eucharist

The Eucharist is at the center of our worship together as a community--but did you ever wonder what the word Eucharist means? First we should remember that the common language of the early church was Greek. Eucharist comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving and gives emphasis to the joyful spirit which characterizes our service of praise and thanksgiving.

Other words which are commonly used are Holy Communion (our fellowship with Christ); The Holy Mysteries (the Real Presence of our Lord in Communion); and The Mass (which comes from the ancient words of dismissal in Latin: Ite, missa est, reminding us that we are to carry Christ out into the world "rejoicing in the power of the Spirit").
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Liturgical

The Episcopal Church is "Liturgical." What does this mean in simple terms?

The word "Liturgy" comes from a Greek word which implies "the work of the people together." We are a liturgical church because our worship involves the entire congregation offering prayer and praise. The Book of Common Prayer came to be because of a need for the people as well as the clergy to take part in a form of worship that is active and not passive. Whenever anyone says: "The Lord be with you", if there are any Episcopalians present, you can be sure that there will be a response: "And also with you."

In the Episcopal Church, when the Holy Eucharist is to be celebrated, there must be at least two persons present, recalling the words of Jesus: " ...when two or three are gathered in my Name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20).
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Liturgical Colors

Someone once observed that Episcopalians worship God with all their senses--sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Worship is not just an intellectual pursuit, but one that should involve our entire being.

Colors are important since they may convey a deeper meaning.

White, for instance, may remind us of "the light of God..." and is used to highlight days and events relating to Jesus as well as saints who were not martyrs.
Red reminds us of the Holy Spirit: "tongues of flame" at Pentecost (Acts 2) as well as those saints (martyrs) who shed their blood for the Faith.
Purple is traditionally used during Lent and signifies penitence, while we use ...
Blue (a color of "quiet expectation") during the season of Advent as we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

Green is symbolic of "growth" and is most appropriate during the long summer months (from Pentecost until Advent when we begin the cycle of the Christian Year). During that time, the lessons read in church express teachings of Jesus that lead us in our quest for spiritual growth.
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The Dismissal

The Dismissal refers to the words spoken at the conclusion of the service, usually by the Deacon. These words instruct us to "Go forth into the world ..." They remind us that we come to church to be empowered to continue the work of Christ in the world around us. In medieval Latin the words spoken or sung were :"Ite, missa est,": meaning "Go forth, it is finished..." In time, the words "missa" came to be the name of that which was finished, that is: the Mass." But what is interesting is that the work of Christ is never finished.
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Holy Water

Water that has been blessed (set apart with a prayer) is sometimes used in our services, especially on Palm Sunday and at funerals when there is a casket. It is not only a sign of cleansing and refreshment, but it is a remembrance of our Baptism. Some Episcopal and other churches have a bowl of holy water--or sometimes the baptismal font itself--at the to the entrance to the nave. Those entering may dip their fingers and make the sign of the cross as an act of self-dedication recalling the new life they received when they were baptized.
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Narthex

Like many "church words" narthex comes from the Greek and refers to a gathering place or, in our case, the vestibule that leads into the cathedral, It is here that the ushers greet the people and where the choir and clergy "gather" to begin the service. Be sure to notice the unusual stained glass windows on the doors of the narthex given in memory of Catherine Snyder whose contribution to social work and to the Cathedral will long be remembered.
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The Sign of the Cross

Probably the earliest Christian symbol was the fish. Each letter of the Greek word for "fish" was the first letter of the words "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." (ikthus") By drawing a design of a fish one Christian could be identified as a Christian in time of persecution. The "sign of the cross" came later but served the same purpose - recognition. In time, it took on an even deeper meaning since was "signed" on the forehead with the sign of the cross is baptism. The sign of the cross has very deep meaning for Episcopalians who often "make the sign of the cross" as a symbol of salvation, as a sign of blessing, and as an affirmation of faith.
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Sitting, Standing, Kneeling

Why do Episcopalians stand, sit, and kneel during the services? Why not just sit quietly?

Someone once said that going to church cured her insomnia! That isn't going to happen at Trinity. Worship in the Episcopal Church is "interactive." We all take part. - - clergy and laity alike, because the ministers of the church include each one of us, not just those who are ordained.

Standing when the Gospel is read, for example, reminds us that that the life and teaching of Jesus, the "Good News" ("Gospel") is at the heart of our worship and our faith. The Deacon's carrying the Gospel book into the midst of the congregation reminds us that WE are called to carry the Good News of God's love out into our own particular world.
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Passing the Peace

The "passing the peace" came into general use in the Episcopal Church with the Prayer Book of 1978, though its practice can be traced back to the Second Century. Since liturgy is "drama" - - expressing what we believe in tangible ways, the passing of the peace is an outward sign of our Christian love for one another and symbolic of reconciliation within a diverse community. Someone recently wrote to "Miss Manners" that she avoided this part of the service because she didn't wish had to make contact with people who were socially beneath her..." Perhaps it was to overcome prejudice that the custom came into being in the first place.
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The Presiding Bishop

The Most Reverend Frank Griswold is the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Unlike most bishops, he has no cathedral, but does have a chair in the National Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Washington, D.C. Besides serving as the presiding officer at the House of Bishops and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, he is chief oficiant at ordinations of bishops and oversees the entire program of the Episcopal Church. He is the symbol of the unity of all the dioceses of the Episcopal Church. The first Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church was elected in 1789.
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The Real Presence

The medieval church was devoted to developing a philosophical understanding of the "nature" of Christ in the Sacrament. This led to theological arguments (often leading to bloodshed) over such definitions as "Transubstantiation" and "Consubstantiation." Because the Anglican position embraces "the middle way," there was no effort made to define just how Christ was present in the forms of Bread and Wine in the Holy Eucharist. That Jesus said" "This is my Body...." And "This is my Blood..." was sufficient. What the Church taught - - and continues to teach - - is that our Lord is true to his promise and that Christ is really and truly Present in the Eucharist. That affirmation is expressed for us in the words "The Real Presence..."
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Sanctuary

In its broadest sense, sanctuary refers to a place of refuge - - where one is safe. In ancient days, one could not be arrested once gaining "sanctuary" in a church. The great cathedral in Durham has a giant knocker on one of its doors which signaled that the person outside was seeking "sanctuary" and would be protected from the law provided the door were opened in time.

While "sanctuary" is often used to refer to a church's worship area, the usual Episcopal interpretation is "the area surrounding the altar." The place where the choir sings is (naturally) "the Choir," while the congregational area is referred to as the "Nave."

The word NAVE reminds us of "ship" and (Biblically) the ARK of Salvation. The "nave" in many Episcopal churches looks like an upside down ship (in fact, Trinity Church in Nevada City was built by Cornish "boatwrights" who knew little about buildings but a lot about sailing ships.
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Sub-Rosa

In a sense, this expression IS a "church word" even though its meaning is also found in Greek mythology. Meaning "under the rose," a practice developed of hanging a rose over a meeting as a symbol of secrecy.

Following the English reformation in the 16th century, only certain cathedral canons were licensed to hear private confessions, and they were designation by a rose appliquéd on their clerical hats. In this way they could be easily identified when needed. Since all confessions were (and are) in utter confidence, the expression "keep it under your hat" came into being.
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Vergers

We presently have five Vergers who assist at most of the services of the Cathedral. These are lay persons who are responsible for many aspects of our common worship - - from helping organize processions on special occasions - - such as Lynell Walker's ordination - - to making sure that the sanctuary is prepared for Sunday services. Vergers wear distinctive vestments and carry a staff called "the verge" which is symbolic of their "office." Vergers have been a part of the Anglican tradition since the 12th Century.
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Aumbry

Have you noticed the beautiful cabinet on the left side of the Sanctuary over which a red lamp hangs? It is called an Aumbry. In it is kept the "reserved Sacrament," the consecrated (blessed) Bread and Wine which is reserved so that sick and shut-in members of our Cathedral community may receive Communion administered either by our Lay Eucharistic Visitors or by the clergy. We believe that if one is unable to come to church, then the church goes to him or her!
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Usher

Originally the word usher meant: a doorkeeper. Ushers at Trinity Cathedral provide an essential ministry--the ministry of hospitality. They are the first to meet and welcome people into our community of prayer and praise. In ancient days there were seven "orders" of ministry of the Church, the first being doorkeeper. The others included: lector, acolyte, sub-deacon, deacon, priest, and bishop. Though not all of these are "ordained" in the Episcopal Church, these ministries still exist--at least symbolically--today.
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Transept

Traditionally, many Christian Churches have been built in the form of a cross. This is true with our Cathedral. Where the vertical and the horizontal meet is known as "The Crossing," and each side of the arms of the Cross are called "transepts." The east transept is where the columbarium is located, as well as a small altar and votive (prayer) candles. In this "holy space" people are invited to come after receiving communion should they desire prayers for special needs--and there is someone there to pray with and offer support.
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