Site Glossary

A psalm, hymn, or anthem that is sung or read at a Eucharist between the Old Testament reading and the epistle.

The Friday before Easter Day, on which the church commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Traditionally a day of fasting, acts of discipline, and self-denial.

The oldest seminary of The Episcopal Church, founded in New York City in 1817. GTS affiliated with Virginia Theological Seminary in 2022 to share governance, resources, personnel, and programs, while remaining distinct entities.

Covering for the front of an altar, often made of silk or brocade cloth and matching the liturgical color of the season of the church year.

The anthem that is spoken or sung at the point in the Eucharist when the celebrant breaks the bread.

Large vessel with handle and spout, shaped like a pitcher, used as a container for wine in the Eucharist.

Latin for “and the Son,” words added to the Nicene Creed by the Latin church, but never accepted by the Eastern Orthodox. The Episcopal Church accepts the Nicene Creed with or without the filioque.

A second-century enslaved woman, martyred in Carthage along with Perpetua and other companions in 202. Feast day: March 7, along with Perpetua.

The governing body of The Episcopal Church between sessions of the General Convention, charged with the oversight of program and policies adopted by General Convention. Also serves as the board of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS).

Evangelism is telling the story of Jesus, especially with the intent of inspiring people to become Christians. An evangelist is one who carries out this work.

A sixth-century pope who extended papal authority and sent Augustine of Canterbury to England to do missionary work. One of only two popes designated “the Great.” Feast day: March 12.

A short acclamation of praise used primarily in the Daily Offices: “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.”