Episcopal Glossary

Lavabo - The washing of the celebrant's fingers after the Offertory at the Eucharist or at other times such as when oil or chrism is used or after the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Lavabo Bowl - The metal or ceramic dish into which the water is poured by the server at the lavabo.

Lavabo Towel - A piece of cloth, usually linen, presented to the celebrant by the server at the lavabo to dry the fingers. It is presented hung over the server's left arm.

Lay Chaplain - a lay person whose vocation is to work in a chapel or as a minister to a non-congregational group such as a college undergraduates or the visitors at a hospital or campground.

Lay minister - a person who is not ordained, but who works closely with a church or religious program. Some lay ministers are un-paid volunteers; some are paid staff members of a church.

Lay person - any non-ordained person; in the Episcopal church today, lay person is often used instead of the older protestant usage "layman".

Lay Reader - any non-ordained person who participates in reading part of a church service. In some churches Lay Readers are officially recognized as a special group assisting in church services; A person licensed by the Bishop to read the lessons at the Eucharist or at the Daily Offices and who may assist the celebrant or officiant in other ways; if specifically licensed by the Bishop, may administer the chalice at Communion.

Lay - from laios, a Greek word meaning the people.

Lectern - a raised platform with railing used for reading prayers or scripture; usually located at the front of the nave opposite the pulpit.

Lectern - The book-stand or podium from which the lessons and sometimes the Gospel are read at the Eucharist and other Offices. Also called an Ambo.

Lectionary, Inclusive - the use of Biblical texts which are not biased in favor or male or female images and which avoid male or female pronouns such as Him or Her. Texts which avoid the use of images of God as Father. See Inclusive Language.

Lectionary - The appointed lessons and psalms for use at the Eucharist and Daily Offices (see BCP, 888ff.).

Lector - A person who reads a lesson at the liturgy.

Lent - the period of fasting, sobriety and meditation following Ash Wednesday; in the past Lent was widely associated with denial or "giving something up for Lent.": "I gave up smoking for Lent." Or, "I gave up desserts for Lent." The season recalls the period of Christ's fasting and meditation in the wilderness, so traditionally is for a period of forty days--from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday. The term is derived from an old word for 'lengthen' which referred to the lengthening days of early spring; The season of penitence and preparation for Holy Week and Easter which begins on Ash Wednesday (see BCP, 264-65).

Lenten Array - In some places, the use of sack-cloth or similar fabric in place of purple for vestments, coverings, and hangings during Lent and Holy Week.

Lenten Cross - In some places, a plain wooden processional cross (painted red with black edges) used during Lent and Holy Week.

Lesser Feasts and Fasts - A book containing the collects, lessons, psalms, and short biographical material for the minor saints' days and observances found in the calendar of The Book ofCommon Prayer.

Lesson and Carols - popular name of the Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Lesson (also the Epistle) - any reading from the Bible except the Gospels or Psalms; usually read on the opposite side of the church from where the Gospel is read; in older practice the Lesson was read from the "Epistle Side"--the right side facing the altar, while the Gospel was read from the "Gospel Side"--the left side facing the altar. Current practice in many Episcopal churches does not conform to this older pattern; The first reading from scripture at the Eucharist; also, the scripture readings at the Daily Offices or at other liturgies.

Licentiate - Licentiate in Theology; an earned degree for persons who complete a theological degree but who do not hold a bachelor's degree; if a person holds a bachelor's degree and completes the basic theology program, that person is normally awarded a Master of Divinity [M.Div.] degree; without a bachelor's degree that person, taking the same courses, would be awarded a Licentiate in Theology.

Litany - Any form of prayer with petitions and responses; the Great Litany (see BCP, 148ff).

Liturgical Colors - See Colors, Liturgical.

Liturgy - The "work of the people." In Western usage this term may apply to any public celebration of the Church. In the Churches of the East, The Divine Liturgy refers specifically to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; literally the word means the work of the people; generally used to refer to the full text of the words of a worship service; any ritual order for holding a church service.

Living Church, The - a monthly magazine of the Episcopal Church often discussing current issues in the life of the Church.

Lord's Supper, The - The celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Lord's Table, The - See Altar.

Low Church - a church that is less formal; a church that does not chant or sing its service; a church that alternates Morning Prayer with Eucharist; such churches sometimes appear to be more "protestant".