Glossary

The BCP provides forms for Daily Morning Prayer and Daily Evening Prayer in contemporary and traditional language, as well as forms for Noonday Prayer, Order of Worship for the Evening, Compline, and Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families.

A 20th-century Episcopal seminarian killed while working in the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama, in the act of shielding a 17-year-old Black girl from a shotgun attack. Feast day: August 14.

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

A person ordained to the diaconate as a lifelong vocation focused on bringing the needs, hopes, and concerns of the world to the church. May also refer to a transitional deacon who will be ordained a priest within six to 12 months.

A communion service led by a deacon with reserved sacrament previously consecrated by a priest. The service may be used only in the absence of a priest, and only if authorized by the bishop.

In 1856, the first Episcopal deaconesses were set apart, although not ordained, for ministries of service, education, and pastoral care, especially among the poor and marginalized. Women were ordained as deacons beginning in 1970 with deaconesses gradually absorbed into the diaconate.

Geographical section or area within a diocese, with an elected or appointed dean who is styled “the Very Reverend.” Also, the house where a dean of a cathedral or seminary lives.

The canonical act of removing a bishop, priest or deacon from ordained ministry because of disciplinary proceedings. Not to be confused with a secular deposition, which is testimony under oath outside a courtroom.

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.

The order of deacon is one of three ordained orders in the church, the others being priest and bishop.

A geographic jurisdiction composed of congregations overseen by a bishop. There are more than 100 dioceses in The Episcopal Church.

A follower of Jesus Christ.

At the end of a Eucharist when a deacon or presider dismisses the people using one of several forms, such as “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” The people respond, “Thanks be to God.”

The corporate and legal entity of The Episcopal Church, incorporated in 1821 in the state of New York.

A 13th-century Spanish priest who founded the Dominican religious order. Feast day: Aug. 8.

A 17th-century English priest and poet, considered one of the greatest preachers of his time. Feast day: March 31.

Most often refers to the familiar hymn verse that begins “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Can also refer to other verses praising or glorifying God.

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.

A 10th-century monk, statesman, educator, Benedictine monastic reformer, and archbishop of Canterbury. Feast day: May 19.