Glossary

Reverence or honor paid by Christians to saints, sacred places and texts, crosses, altars, images, and icons. Stronger than respect and distinguished from absolute worship, which is due to God alone.

A verger exercises a ministry of service, organization, and welcome by assisting the clergy and congregation in the ceremonial aspects of worship.

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

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

See Narthex.

The distinctive garments worn by leaders during a worship service.

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.

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.

A priest appointed by and accountable to the bishop to lead a mission congregation, a congregation under the authority of the bishop.

A vicar’s residence.