Explanation of Words. Alb, a vestment of the clergy. Almoner, a person who distributes alms. Anathema, excommunication, the severest censure of the Ascetics, devout persons, given up to a life of religion. Baptistery, a place for administering baptism. Canons, ecclesiastical laws made by synods, also certain of the clergy. Catholic, universal, or universally received. Convocation, an assembly of the clergy. Council, an assembly of bishops. Heresy, an obstinate denial or perversion of some article of the faith. Iconoclasts, image-breakers. Irenarch, a magistrate who watched over the public peace. Metropolitan, a bishop who has the chief authority amongst the bishops of a province. Oratory, a private chapel. Ecumenical Synod, an assembly of bishops from all parts of the world. Orisons, prayers. Pall, an ornament worn originally by patriarchs, afterwards by metropolitans. Patriarch, a bishop who has authority over metropolitans. |