Site Glossary

A bishop’s official pastoral visit to a congregation of the diocese, mandated by the Canons to occur at least once every three years.

A season of four to nine weeks, from the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6 through the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The Gospel readings during this time emphasize the divinity of Jesus.

A fourth-century Syrian theologian, author, and prolific hymn writer. Feast day: June 10.

Relating to efforts, initiatives, and dialogue promoting understanding, cooperation, and unity among different Christian denominations.

A Eucharist that begins in darkness the night before Easter and ends in joyous celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

An Episcopal author, theologian, and slaveholder of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and a founding professor of the University of the South. His feast day on Aug. 18 was revoked in 2024 because of his support for white supremacy and the Ku Klux Klan.

Each diocese elects up to four clergy and four lay deputies to the triennial General Convention who serve as legislators in the House of Deputies.

A seventh-century Welsh bishop and founder of monasteries, and the patron saint of Wales. Feast day: March 1.

A seventh-century English bishop and hermit, who helped reconcile the Roman and Celtic factions of the Church of England. Feast day: March 20.

An Episcopal priest is said to have a cure when entrusted with the spiritual care, teaching, and oversight of a congregation, under the supervision of a bishop.

Originally agricultural observances, Ember Days are three-day periods that occur annually on a roughly quarterly schedule. Today, those preparing for ordination write their bishops on Ember Days reporting and reflecting on their training and formation.

A 13th-century Hungarian princess and patroness of the sick and the poor, who died at the age of 24. Feast day: Nov. 19.