Site Glossary

A 19th-century English politician, evangelical lay person, and abolitionist deeply committed to ending slavery and the slave trade. Feast day: July 30.

The largest Episcopal seminary, founded in 1823 in Alexandria, Virginia. VTS affiliated with The General Theological Seminary (GTS) in 2022 to share governance, resources, personnel, and programs, while remaining distinct entities.

Latin for “the middle way.” A term popularized in the 19th century that characterizes Anglicanism as a middle way between Roman Catholicism and Puritanism. Used in The Episcopal Church to describe a theological and practical approach that seeks balance between polarities.

An evening prayer service that is part of the Daily Office offered at the close of the day.

The three-day observance of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, leading up to Easter Day; may also designate any three-day period of preparation for a feast day.

The feast, celebrated on Aug. 6, that marks Jesus’ radical change of appearance while in the presence of Peter, James, and John, on a high mountain. The transfiguration revealed Christ’s glory prior to the crucifixion, and anticipated his resurrection.

The recipient of the Letter to Titus, who is believed to have become the first bishop of Crete. Feast day: Jan. 26, along with Timothy, another devoted companion of Paul.

Server or acolyte who carries and swings the thurible in which incense is burned during the Eucharist and other liturgies.

The elected lay governing body of a congregation that, together with clergy, is responsible for temporal, financial, and administrative affairs as well as support of mission and ministry.

An honorific for a priest who is a dean of a cathedral, deanery, or seminary. Often abbreviated as the Very Rev.

A 16th-century English martyr who was executed for translating Scriptures into English. Feast day: Oct. 6.

One of the seven principal feasts of the church year, celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost to commemorate the one and equal glory of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.