Glossary of Terms
Witnessing a service at Christ Church is like embarking on a journey into Anglican history and tradition. Our readings, for example, are taken from the King James Bible of 1611, and our liturgy follows closely the Book of Common Prayer, complied in 1662.
You will also notice a variety of people performing functions during our services, which may be unfamiliar to you. For example, during our Sunday 10am service, you may see acolytes (usually two), a crucifer, priests (usually two) and a rector, as well as the choir, all performing important roles and dressed in tradition garments.
This booklet is designed to give you a brief outlining of each of these roles, in order to help you better understand and appreciate our service. If you have any further questions, please speak to one of our Priests, who will be more than happy to answer them for you.
ACOLYTE
An acolyte assists in worship by carrying a processional candles, assisting a deacon or priest set up and clean up at the altar, handing the offering plates to ushers, and other tasks when needed, Traditionally acolytes wear what is called a cassock or cotta and a girdle. This is usually white.
CRUCIFER
A crucifer is the person appointed to carry the church's processional cross at the beginning and end of the service. The term "crucifer" comes from the Latin “crux” (cross) and “ferre” (to bear, carry). The crucifer will usually wear similar attire to the acolytes. In Christ Church, the crucifer also lights the altar candles, assists the priest and helps with the preparation of the water, wine and bread at the Mass.
DEACON
In Anglican churches, deacons often work directly in ministry. Most deacons are preparing for priesthood.
PRIEST
The priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites. Christ Church has several priests. Usually during the service there will be two Priests and the Rector, who is the Parish Priest. The word rector comes from the Latin “regere” meaning "ruler".
VESTMENTS (Garments)
Cassock Is a long, close-fitting, ankle-length robe. The cassock derives historically from the tunic that in ancient Rome was worn underneath the toga. The word "cassock" comes from Middle French "casaque", meaning a long coat, which in turn comes from the Turkish "quzzak", meaning adventurer, an allusion to their typical riding coat. It was the normal everyday wear of the clergy until the second half of the 20th century, when it was replaced lay dress by being generally black and by incorporating a clerical collar.
An interesting fact: The single-breasted cassock worn by Anglicans sometimes has thirty-nine buttons. This is often said to signify the Thirty-Nine Articles of Faith.
Stole: A long, narrow strip of cloth draped around the neck, a vestment of distinction, a symbol of ordination (Priesthood).
Amice: A cloth around the neck used to cover the collar of street attire. It is worn by the celebrant for the Mass.
Cincture or Girdle: A long woven cord used to cinch the alb at the waist, and to contain the stole as it hangs down the body.
Rochet: Similar to a surplice but with narrower sleeves, often highly decorated
Surplice: A white tunic worn over a cassock and coming down to the knees or ankles, with wide open sleeves. It is commonly worn by altar servers, acolytes, crucifer, choir members and also by clergy who are attending a Eucharist but not as a celebrant. The word comes from the Latin “superpelliceum”, meaning overfur.
Chasuble: The outermost sacramental garment of priests and bishops, often quite decorated. It is only worn for the celebration of the Eucharist. The chasuble originated as a sort of conical poncho, called in Latin a "casula" or "little house," that was the common outer traveling garment in the Roman Empire.
Canterbury Cap: A square cloth hat with sharp corners found in the Anglican communion, similar to the Counter-Reformation's biretta, the notable exception being that a Canterbury cap has four ridges, compared to the biretta's three. It is worn by Priests.