Glossary

A service at night prior to Easter or a major feast or other important observance.

A third-century Spanish deacon and martyr, tortured to death under Emperor Diocletian. Feast day: Jan. 22.

The staff which a verger carries in procession.

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.

A vocation is a way of life or inner sense of purpose. In a religious context, vocations may be for lay or ordained persons. Priests, nuns and monks are examples of people pursuing a vocation. From the Latin word vocare meaning “to call,” every person has a vocation because all people are called by God…

An item such as a small candle given in fulfillment of a vow or in expression of devotion or hope.

Short thick candles inserted into small glass cups which worshippers may light as an act of devotion.

The Canons stipulate that every parish have two elected wardens, a senior and a junior, who assist the rector in the administration of the temporal affairs of the parish and in the care of its property.

An 18th-century English hymn writer, priest, and missionary to colonial America, who wrote more than 5,000 hymns, 20 of which are in the 1982 Hymnal of The Episcopal Church. Feast day: March 3, along with his brother John.

An 18th-century priest and scholar, generally considered the founder of Methodism. Feast day: March 3, along with his brother Charles.