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Lutheran Liturgical Terms III

Terms in this set (20)

Epistle
Greek for "letter." The New Testament contains 22 letters written by Saints Paul, Peter, John, and others, that were addressed to Christian churches scattered throughout the Roman Empire. The second reading in the Divine Service is usually taken from one of these letters.
Eucharist
One of the many terms for the Lord's Supper. It comes from the Greek word meaning "thanksgiving."
Flagon
From a Latin word meaning "bottle" or "flask." This is a large pouring vessel that contains wine for use during distribution of the Lord's Supper.
Pall
A large, white cloth that covers a closed casket during the funeral service. Based on St. John's vision of the saints in heaven (Rev. 7:9), this cloth symbolizes the white robe of righteousness given to all believers in Christ.
Gloria in excelsis
Also known as the "greater doxology," this is the hymn of praise sung at the beginning of the Divine Service. It originates from the fourth century and has been in regular use for over a millennium.
Gloria Patri
Latin for "glory to the Father." Also known as the "lesser doxology," this ascription of praise is appended to psalms and other liturgical texts.
Gradual
A selection of psalm verses traditionally sung between the Epistle and Gospel. This word is from the Latin for "step," which refers to the step of the lectern from which this was traditionally sung.
Holy Gospel
Refers to the reading of one of the evangels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) in the Divine Service. The reading of the words of Jesus is given the highest place of prominence by being read last.
Holy Innocents
Observed on December 28, this festival commemorates the baby boys of Bethlehem who were executed by King Herod in his attempt to murder the newborn king of the Jews (Matt. 2).
Homily
From the Greek for "discourse." This is a sermon on a biblical text. There is no distinction between this and a sermon.
Hosanna
From Hebrew, its basic meaning is "to save." It functions as a plea to God our king to have mercy on us and save us from our lost condition.
Icon
A style of sacred art usually associated with Eastern Orthodox churches. Painted according to strict guidelines, the two-dimensional paintings are intended as windows into heaven and form the basis for a rich devotional piety.
Incense
From the Latin word "to set on fire." In Jewish worship in the temple, this symbolized prayer rising before God (Ps. 141:2). The same image is used of the prayers of the saints in heaven (Rev. 8:3—5).
Introit
From the Latin, meaning "to enter." Traditionally this was the entrance hymn to the Divine Service, consisting of antiphon, psalm, Gloria Patri, and antiphon repeated. During the Middle Ages it was shortened considerably and lost its function as an entrance hymn.
Invitatory
An antiphon preceding the Venite in Matins/Morning Prayer, this variable introduction concludes with the invitation, "O come, let us worship Him."
Invocation
From the Latin, "to call upon." Used at the beginning of many, though not all, services. It serves as a reminder of Baptism and may be accompanied by the sign of the cross.
Kyrie eleison
From the Greek, it is a direct address to God, meaning "Lord, have mercy." Appears early in the Divine Service.
Lectern
The reading stand from which the Word of God is read. In some churches it is highly ornamented, though usually less so than the pulpit.
Lectionary
A schedule of readings from Holy Scripture for use in the weekly liturgy.
Lent
The penitential period of preparation before the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Its 40-day duration (not counting the Sundays) begins on Ash Wednesday which can occur as early as Feb. 4 and as late as Mar. 10, depending on the date of Easter.
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