Glossary · Church words made simple
What does that word mean?
AnaphoraThe central Eucharistic prayer of the liturgy, in Eastern usage.
Apostolic exhortationA papal document encouraging the faithful, often on one theme.
Doctor of the ChurchA saint whose teaching the Church has formally recognised as especially valuable.
EncyclicalA major teaching letter from the Pope to the whole Church.
Immaculate ConceptionMary was kept from original sin from the first moment of her own existence. It is not about the birth of Jesus.
Major ArchbishopHead of a self-governing Eastern Catholic Church, with almost the authority of a Patriarch.
Qurbana / QurbonoThe Holy Eucharist in the East and West Syriac traditions. The word means offering.
TheotokosGreek for God-bearer. Mary is the Mother of God, because her Son is God.