Glossary

A 19th-century American priest and the founder of Episcopal missionary work among the hard of hearing. Feast day: Aug. 27, along with Henry Winter Syle.

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

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.

The General Convention is the bicameral legislature and chief policy-making body of The Episcopal Church, consisting of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. The General Convention meets every three years to consider legislation, make policy, hold elections, adopt the churchwide budget, and amend the Constitution and Canons.

An annual test administered by the General Board of Examining Chaplains, encompassing seven broad topics, used to help determine a candidate’s readiness for ordination.

The oldest seminary of The Episcopal Church, founded in New York City in 1817. GTS affiliated with Virginia Theological Seminary in 2022 to share governance, resources, personnel, and programs, while remaining distinct entities.

A gesture of reverence performed by touching one knee to the floor (or lowering it toward the floor) while keeping the upper body upright, before returning to a standing position. Genuflection is not mentioned in the BCP, and is practiced most often in Anglo-Catholic congregations.

A short acclamation of praise used primarily in the Daily Offices: “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.”

The Friday before Easter Day, on which the church commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Traditionally a day of fasting, acts of discipline, and self-denial.

From an Old English term meaning, “good news,” the proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ. Also, a literary genre describing Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The four official Gospels of the New Testament are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The term names a liturgical function, referring to a member of the clergy who proclaims the Gospel in a worship service.

A psalm, hymn, or anthem that is sung or read at a Eucharist between the Old Testament reading and the epistle.

The response of assent by the congregation at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is printed in all capitals in the BCP to signify its importance.

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.

A fourth-century Cappadocian bishop, and a leading theologian on the topic of the Trinity. Feast day: May 9.

A fourth-century Greek bishop and leading defender of the faith expressed in the Nicene Creed. Feast day: March 9.

A sixth-century pope who extended papal authority and sent Augustine of Canterbury to England to do missionary work. One of only two popes designated “the Great.” Feast day: March 12.

A fourth-century bishop and missionary to Armenia, which became the first country to be officially Christian. Feast day: March 23.

A 13th-century bishop who pursued a robust program of reform in the English church. Feast day: Oct. 9.