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Abba: An Aramaic word for father, typically used by a child when addressing their own parent. Jesus used the term when addressing God.

Ablutions: Ceremonial washing of communion vessels and/or the ceremonial washing of the hands of the celebrant.

Acolyte: (From a Greek word for " follower ") A layperson who performs minor duties during a religious service. Acolytes serve in pairs, and carry candles at the beginning and end of the Mass, as well as at the gospel.

Advent: From the Latin word "adventus" or coming: A period of time before Christmas, beginning on the Sunday closest to NOV-30 when the birth of Jesus is recalled. Advent candles are often lit.

Agnus Dei: From two Latin words: agnus, meaning "lamb" and dei, meaning "of God." The term refers to a three-part litany frequently said or sung after the fraction in the Holy Communion part of the Eucharist.

All Saints Day: A Christian day of remembrance of the saints of the faith- both recognized and unknown. It has been observed since 609 CE . The Western church celebrates it on Novermber 1st; Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate All Saints Day in the springtime -- on the Sunday after Pentecost.

Amen: The word is related to " Emunah " in Hebrew, which means faith and/or belief. Adding "Amen" at the end of a blessing or a prayer demonstrates a statement of affirmation that the blessing is true and hope that the prayer will be answered . "Amen " is also a near acronym; its four letters stand for the three Hebrew words: " Aiy'l Melech Ne-eman " which mean that God is a true and faithful king.

Altar: A table, usually in the sanctuary, on which the bread and wine used in the Communion service are consecrated.

Angel: The English word comes from the Greek "angelos" (messenger). In the Bible they were described as an intelligent and immortal species. They delivered messages from God, and either harmed or helped humans.

Anglicanism: The beliefs and organization of the Church of England and the national churches that together form the Anglican Communion . The Communion includes the Episcopal Church in the U.S. and the Anglican Church of Canada. The denomination is theologically diverse, having members whose beliefs range from Fundamentalism to liberal Christianity. The Communion is coordinated by the Lambeth Conference which meets once every decade.

Apocalypse, apocalyptic: A style of mainly Jewish and Christian writing that was common from about 200 BCE to 200 CE . The writings prophesized the destruction of evil and triumph of good. Sometimes narrowly used to refer to the Book of Revelation in the Bible.

Apostle: A Christian term to refer to Jesus' immediate followers. An apostle must generally a man was personally chosen by Jesus, and to have seen him. Sometimes, the term is used to refer only to the twelve disciples, or to the twelve disciples and Paul. Other times, it has been used to refer to the 70 disciples selected by Jesus.  In Romans 16:7, Paul refers to a female apostle, Junia , as "outstanding among the apostles." (NIV)

Apostle's Creed: A summary of Christian beliefs. Many Christians believe that the Apostles personally wrote the creed so that they could coordinate their missionary efforts as they spread out through the known world. However, there is evidence that the creed was written near the end of the second century CE , about a century after the time of the apostles.

Archangel: a member of the highest rank of angels. Only two are mentioned in the Bible: Gabriel and Michael.

Archbishop: (Derived from a Greek word for "chief overseer"). A bishop who has administrative responsibilities over an archdiocese.

Archdiocese: A diocese - a geographical area - that is particularly large or has an important past. Its priests are under the direction of a single archbishop. The term is used by the Roman Catholic church, the Greek Orthodox churches, and the Anglican Communion.

Armageddon: A battle that is prophesized to occur in the plain of Megiddo, Israel. Jesus and Satan, and their armies, will fight a final battle (as stated in the biblical Book of Revelation ).

Ascension: This refers to the Christian belief that Jesus ascended to heaven to sit at God's right hand. According to two gospels, Mark and Luke, Jesus ascended to heaven on the same day as his resurrection. Acts explained that it occurred 40 days later.

Ascension, feast of: A Christian holy day celebrating Jesus' ascension up to heaven. It is celebrated on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday.

Ash Wednesday: This is the first day of Lent, observed by Christians. It is held on the Wednesday which is 40 days prior to Easter.

Atonement : In general, an act that unites enemies as friends. In Christianity, the doctrine that Christ's death has the power of canceling the sins of those Christians who are " saved. "

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