Site Glossary

A form of address used by some male priests; sometimes abbreviated Fr. in front of a name.

A third-century Roman pope and martyr, Fabian was an effective administrator who grew the church until he was arrested by the Emperor Decius in 250 and treated brutally, dying in prison. Feast day: Jan. 20.

Bread and wine that are consecrated for the Eucharist.

The sacrament of Christ’s body and blood, and the principal act of Christian worship. Also called Holy Communion.

The second lesson in a standard service of Eucharist, usually drawn from New Testament letters to early church communities.

Garment worn by members of religious communities.

A lengthy intercessory prayer including various petitions that are said or sung by the leader, with fixed responses by the congregation. Especially appropriate during Lent.

The churchwide body, elected by General Convention, overseeing the General Ordination Examinations (GOE). The board prepares and administers the exam given annually to candidates for ordination.

A grassy quadrangle or garden surrounded by a cloister walk in a monastery, church, seminary, or college.

Pertaining to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Evangelicalism is a multidenominational Protestant movement emphasizing the authority of Scripture, personal conversion, and evangelism.

Formerly located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after the merger of Episcopal Theological School and Philadelphia Divinity School in 1974. No longer a residential or degree-granting seminary, EDS transitioned in 2023 to providing theological education, justice formation, and leadership development through partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

The 1967 General Convention adopted “The Episcopal Church” as an approved alternate for the official name, which remains “The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.” The acronym “TEC” refers to this name of the church.