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would suffer its first split, over the issue of images, causing the western part of the church to take on the full name of “The Holy Catholic Apostolic Roman Church”. The eastern part of the church then took on the full name of “The Holy Orthodox Catholic Apostolic
Church”.
Today, the members of the Western church are known as Roman Catholics. When they use the word “Catholic,” it is spelled with a capital “C,” referring to the Roman Catholic Church. Members of the Eastern church are now referred to as Eastern Orthodox. Protestants, when using the word “catholic,” spell it with a lowercase “c.” This represents the broader use of the term, as referred to in John 10:16, where all believers who follow Jesus Christ are part of the catholic (universal) church.
CENSER – This cup-shaped container (sometimes highly ornate) has a perforated top to allow for the dispersion of the smoke from the burning incense within. The censer represents the meditations and prayers of the people. The smoke symbolizes the prayers drifting upwards to Heaven. The censer is suspended from a set of chains so that it might be swung back and forth, dispersing the incense throughout the church. The censer is usually carried by a lesser clergy. For this reason, the censer has become connected with the office of deacon.
CHALICE – This cup made of gold or silver is used to hold the consecrated wine for the Lord’s Supper
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(Eucharist). The word chalice comes from the Latin word calix meaning “a cup.” The chalice should have a wide base usually in the shape of a hexagon or octagon, to prevent it from easily tipping over. The stem of the chalice should have a knob, so the priest may easily handle it. The chalice may be heavily decorated, engraved and inset with gems, so long as the decorations do not hinder the priest in the administering of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist). Chalices made of glass, wood, copper or brass are not permitted.2
CHANCEL – This is the part of the church where the altar, pulpit, lectern and choir are located. The chancel is located just past the nave (where the congregation sits). It is separated from the nave by a chancel rail and an arch.
CHANCEL RAIL (screen) – The rail that divides the chancel from the nave (where the congregation sits).
CHASUBLE – A large vestment that is often highly ornate and decorative, often with a cross embroidered on the back. The chasuble varies in color depending upon the church calendar. The chasuble is symbolic of the purple garment worn by Jesus before Pontius Pilate. Because it is the outermost garment, covering all other garments, it is symbolic of Christian charity and protection.
CHOIR – The part of the chancel where the singers are located.
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