Episcopal Glossary

Washing of Altars - In some places, this act is performed by ministers and servers after the stripping of the altars on Maundy Thursday.

Washing of Feet - The rite performed on Maundy Thursday commemorating Our Lord's washing of the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper (see BCP, 274).

Watch (before the Blessed Sacrament) - The vigil kept at the Place of Reservation after the Maundy Thursday liturgy.

Way of the Cross - A Procession with stations commemorating the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Also called the Stations of the Cross. The classical stations of the cross--15 events which happened within the last 24 hours Jesus was on the earth, are as follows.

# 1. He is condemned to death.
# 2. He carries His cross.
# 3. He falls.
# 4. Jesus meets His afflicted mother.
# 5. Simon helps carry Jesus' cross.
# 6. Veronica wipes His face.
# 7. Jesus falls again.
# 8. He meets the women of Jerusalem.
# 9. He falls a third time.
#10. He is stripped.
#11. He is nailed to the cross.
#12. He dies.
#13. His body is taken down.
#14. He is buried.
#15. He is resurrected.

Wine - the beverage portion of communion symbolizing the blood of Christ; equivalent to the grape juice used in some protestant churches. Communion wine is fermented  grape juice and is therefore alcoholic. Wine and vineyards were symbols of happiness and signs of God's blessing in the Promised Land.  Mixing wine and water has roots in historical practicality and theological insight.  Historically, wine carried by the traveler was mixed with the water of the desert to purify it. Theologically, the ordinariness of our lives (water) is mingled with the extraordinariness of the Divine Life (wine).  This also serves to remind us of the dual nature of Christ, both God and human being; and that out of his side flowed water and blood.

Word of God, The - The first part of the Holy Eucharist ending with the Peace. The focus of this part of the Eucharist is on the reading of Scripture and prayers of praise and petition.

Words of Institution - That part of the Eucharistic Prayer recalling the words and actions of Our Lord at the Last Supper.

Worship -  The expression of love and devotion to God through participation in Divine rites and/or services and through personal player.