Church Words Quiz 

Answers  

A rectangle of linen about a priest’s neck, originally covering the head as well - AMICE

The action of being received directly into heaven - ASSUMPTION

A sleeveless mantle worn by the celebrant at the Eucharist - CHASUBLE

A service offering thanks for the safe delivery of a mother after childbirth - CHURCHING

A receptacle for the reservation of the host at the Eucharist - CIBORIUM

A girdle worn by priests, servers and acolytes during Communion - CINCTURE or CINGULUM

The upper part of a large church, containing windows to admit light - CLERESTORY

The pastoral staff or crook of a bishop or abbot - CROZIER

A person who wilfully destroyed all religious pictures and statues in times past - ICONOCLAST

Common abbreviation for the Latin form of “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” - INRI

A collection of formularies for the conduct of public worship - LITURGY

Eucharistic vestment consisting of a strip of cloth left hanging from the left arm - MANIPLE

Any seven-branched candlestick – originating in Judaism - MENORAH

A vessel of gold or silver in which the host is exposed - MONSTRANCE

A lobby across the western end of a church, separated from the nave by a screen or wall - NARTHEX

A bright cloud or golden disc of splendour, surrounding the head of a saint - NIMBUS

A representation of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Jesus across her lap - PIETA

A spike on which a candle can be impaled to hold it upright - PRICKET

An ornamental facing of stone, wood or fabric covering the rear of an altar - REREDOS

A large crucifix, especially if stationed over a screen between the nave and the chancel - ROOD

The repository where vestments, sacred objects and valuables are kept - SACRISTY

A church officer responsible for digging graves and tolling the funeral bell - SEXTON

A vessel to contain holy water, often set in the wall - STOUP

A metal vessel with a pierced cover for the burning of incense - THURIBLE

An official who carries a rod of office before dignitaries of the church - VERGER

A candle lit to offer thanks or give expression to a prayer - VOTIVE

With grateful thanks to Phil Bonner, Churwarden at St. Mary's Church, Maulden for compiling this.

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