(Note: Anglican Compass has published a book about Advent! Check out The Liturgical Home: Advent, by Ashley Wallace!) What is Advent? Advent is the first season of the Church year. It lasts for four weeks leading up to Christmas Day on December 25: (To learn more about what the Church year is and how it’s…
Rogation Days: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Days of fasting and prayer in the midst of a feast season seem counterintuitive. However, Rogation Days remind us that our lives and seasons are in God’s hands. What does “Rogation” mean? “Rogation” comes from the Latin noun rogatio, meaning “asking” (the verb is rogare, “to ask”). When are the Rogation Days? The Sixth Sunday…
Palm Sunday: A Collect Reflection
The Collect for Palm Sunday Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon himself our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way…
The Anglican Ordination Process: A Rookie Anglican Guide
So you’re thinking about ordained ministry in this or that Anglican community. (If you need guidance on the question, check out this article.) Maybe you’re already ordained in some other denomination. Maybe you’ve been serving in ministry for years but as a layperson (that was my experience). What are some of the general guidelines and…
Epiphany and Epiphanytide: A Rookie Anglican Guide
What is Epiphany? Epiphany is a Christian feast day celebrated on January 6 every year. It’s also sometimes known as “Three Kings’ Day.” As we mentioned in our Rookie Anglican Guide to Advent, the Christian year begins with the season of Advent, which leads up to Christmas on December 25. Then come the 12 Days…
Nine Lessons and Carols: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Each December, we ask our readers to give to our TRUE NORTH campaign. We invite you to join us as we point to Jesus through the riches of the Anglican tradition. This year, with the generous support of donors, every gift up to $12,000 will be matched. Give $100, and we will receive $200. Would you prayerfully consider…
The 12 Days of Christmas: A Rookie Anglican Guide to Christmastide
Sure, you’ve heard the song, but did you know that the “12 days of Christmas” actually start on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and go until the day before Epiphany (Jan. 5)? So, December 25 is the first day of Christmas. December 26 is the second day. And so on, until the twelfth day of Christmas…
Saint Lucy’s Day: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Flickering candles, hot coffee, and saffron buns (here’s a recipe!). This Scandinavian Advent tradition has its roots in the story of a 3rd-century martyr who brought light and aid to Christian saints in hiding. Celebrated on December 13 (one week after St Nicholas day), the feast day of St. Lucy is one of warmth, light,…
All Souls’ Day: A Rookie Anglican Guide to the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
In our family’s first Rookie Anglican year, we accidentally celebrated All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) with the traditions more commonly associated with the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (AKA All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2)! This year, I’m looking forward to observing each day in its proper time and fashion! (To learn more about All Saints’…
All Saints’ Day: A Rookie Anglican Guide
While the close of October is typically known for Halloween, its liturgical forerunner is All Hallows’ Eve (Oct. 31) followed by All Saints’ Day on November 1st. Even though many saints of the church are remembered throughout the calendar year, All Saints’ provides a dedicated day to call to memory those saints who have led…
