This project will be completed over time. You can participate by revising, refining, or correcting these entries using the page comment function. if you think I have left something out, please, suggest it.

Each page contains all the entries for a single letter of the alphabet. Use the page controls at the bottom of each page to navigate: 1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, etc.

N

narthex Entrance area of a church outside the nave; where we make transition from the world to God’s house.

Nativity From the Latin for “birthday.” The nativities of Jesus and St. John the Baptist are celebrated in the Church Year; all other commemorations are celebrated on the day they died.

nave Latin for “ship”; the main portion of a church building where people gather to worship and pray.

Nicene Creed See Creed.

nimbus Latin for “cloud”; the round shape with a cross in it that often accompanies pictures or symbols of God the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit.

Nunc Dimitti. Latin for “now let [your servant] depart”; Simeon’s Song (Luke 2:29–32); the Post-Communion Canticle after the distribution of the Lord’s Supper.