Major Feasts
Major celebrations of the church year for which the Book of Common Prayer appoints proper collects, psalms, and lessons.
The Episcopal Church
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY
212-716-6000
800-334-7626
Glossary
An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church
Glossary definitions adapted from An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians, edited by Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY.
Maniple
Eucharistic vestment, typically an oblong band of silk or linen, worn above the left wrist.
Margaret of Scotland
An 11th-century queen of Scotland and reformer credited with removing Celtic influences in the Scottish Church. Feast day: Nov. 16.
Mark the Evangelist
One of the 12 apostles, traditionally considered to be the author of the second Gospel, although scholars believe the author was anonymous. Also said to be the first bishop of Alexandria. Feast day: April 25.
Marriage
A holy and lifelong covenant between two people, made in the sight of God and before the church, characterized by love, fidelity, mutual support, and God’s blessing.
Martin of Tours
A fourth-century monastic, missionary, and bishop known for his humility, charity, and service to the poor. A patron saint of France. Feast day: Nov. 11.
Martyn, Henry
A 19th-century founder of the Christian church in India and Iran who translated Scriptures into Hindustani, Persian, and Arabic. Feast day: Oct. 19.
Martyr
A person killed for remaining loyal to their faith in the face of persecution.
Martyrs of Japan
Hundreds of Christians were crucified or otherwise murdered during a period when Christianity was banned in Japan. The first 26 were killed in 1597. Feast day: Feb. 6.
Martyrs of Lyons
See Blandina.