Glossary

A person preparing for Christian baptism or confirmation.

A church that contains the diocesan bishop’s see (throne), or cathedra (bishop’s chair).

A 14th-century Italian mystic and spiritual writer who devoted her life to serving the poor and converting sinners. Feast day: April 29.

Derived from a Greek word meaning universal, catholic (lowercase “c”) emphasizes continuity with the undivided early church. Often used interchangeably (and imprecisely) with “Roman Catholic.”

See Agnes of Rome

The bishop or priest who presides at the Eucharist and at holy baptism, and at other sacramental and liturgical occasions such as the celebration and blessing of a marriage.

To perfume with the smoke of aromatic incense.

A seventh-century Anglo-Saxon monk and bishop, remembered for his simplicity, piety, and devotion to duty. Feast day: March 2.

The cup for the wine that is consecrated and administered at the Eucharist.

Area of the church set apart for the altar, lectern, pulpit, credence table, and seats for officiating and assisting ministers.

A legal adviser providing counsel on ecclesiastical and secular law, governance, and other matters to bishops and other leaders.

A building, structure, or room for worship, serving specific needs or smaller groups. Chapels may be found in churches, schools, hospitals, military facilities, and other locations.

A person, lay or ordained, who serves a chapel, or exercises a specialized ministry in institutions such as schools, hospitals, prisons, and military facilities.

Regular assembly of members of a cathedral or other ecclesiastical organization with responsibility for the organization’s governance.

Gifts bestowed on believers and their communities by the Holy Spirit, from the Greek charisma, related to charis, meaning grace and favor.

Sleeveless outer vestment worn by the celebrant at the Eucharist.

This robe without sleeves is worn over an alb or rochet as part of the vestments of a bishop.

Persons who sing in a choir.

Consecrated oil used for anointing the newly baptized person with the sign of the cross at baptism and in other rites.

Drawn from a Roman Catholic feast day, it is celebrated by some Episcopal congregations on the last Sunday after Pentecost although it is not mentioned in the calendar.

A fourth-century monk, recognized as an excellent preacher, who became patriarch of Constantinople. Feast day: Jan. 27.

Formerly located in Berkeley, California, CDSP is a hybrid-residency seminary operated in partnership with Trinity Church Wall Street.

A national church that broke with Rome during the reign of King Henry VIII. The Episcopal Church derives some, but not all, of its doctrine, discipline, and worship from the Church of England.

A 13th-century Italian nun who founded the Poor Clares, an order devoted to extreme poverty and austerity. Feast day: Aug. 11.

A third-century Greek theologian who combined Greek philosophy with the Christian faith, harmonizing faith and reason. One of the earliest Christian scholars, and a leading opponent of Gnosticism. Feast day: Dec. 5.

The fourth bishop of Rome, who in the first century planted the seed of the theology of apostolic succession. Feast day: Nov. 23.

Persons in holy orders, ordained for the ministry of bishop, priest, or deacon.

A member of the clergy.

Of or concerning the clergy.

Distinctive clothes worn by clergy that make the wearer identifiable as a member of the clergy.

A walkway, covered but not enclosed, typically found in a monastery, convent, or church.

Pronounced COLL-ect, a short prayer at the beginning of the liturgy, connected to the appointed lessons or occasion, and following a structure of address to God, petition, and concluding doxology.

A sixth-century founder of many churches and monasteries in Ireland, including the monastery and school at Iona. Feast day: June 9.

A place or structure for interring the cremated remains of the dead.

A canonically required diocesan body that assists the bishop in discerning, recruiting, and forming individuals for lay, diaconal, and priestly ministries, and advises the bishop on present and future ministry needs and the implementation of Title III of the Canons.

The Canons of The Episcopal Church define communicants as those who have received Holy Communion in this church at least three times during the previous year.

The Canons of The Episcopal Church define communicants in good standing as those who, in the previous year, have faithfully attended worship and, barring adverse circumstances, have also been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the kingdom of God.

An arrangement in which two or more dioceses, usually from different countries or Anglican Communion provinces, commit to mutual encouragement and prayer, intensified understanding and concern, and the exchange of both spiritual and material resources.

The emblem of the Anglican Communion signifying its global reach, and centered on the St. George’s Cross with its motto taken from John 8:32 — “The truth will set you free.”

An organization founded in 1994 to financially support the work of the Anglican Communion Office and to support the ministry of the archbishop of Canterbury.

An evening service, the last service in the Daily Office.

Joint celebration of the Eucharist by a chief celebrant and one or more concelebrants.

A priest or bishop who hears a private confession of sin during the sacramental Reconciliation of a Penitent, and pronounces absolution, a declaration of forgiveness.

The sacramental rite in which candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (BCP, p. 860).

To set something or someone apart for a sacred purpose. The church provides for the consecration of various spaces and elements, including bread and wine for the Eucharist, church buildings, altars, graves, and columbaria. Chrism oil is used to consecrate the newly baptized. Deacons, priests, and bishops are consecrated during the service of ordination.

The Martyrs of Memphis, a collection of nuns and priests who died in the Tennessee city while tending to the sick in the yellow fever outbreak in 1878. Feast day: Sept. 9.

The foundational governing document of The Episcopal Church defining its structure, authority, and relationships between dioceses, governing bodies, and officers, and establishing the framework within which the Canons operate. First adopted by General Convention in 1789.

Full repentance for sin and a firm intention for amendment of life.

A religious community and residence, traditionally for women, where members live under vows and a common rule of life devoted to prayer, communal worship, and service.

A grouping of congregations in a geographical area for the purpose of collaboration, support, and fellowship. Clergy and lay representatives typically meet on a regular basis. Also called a deanery, region, or mission area.

In the 10th chapter of Acts, Cornelius and his household were the first known Gentiles to convert to the Christian faith, without first converting to Judaism. Feast day: Oct. 20.

Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1556 and leader of the Anglican Reformation. Burned at the stake in 1556 by order of Queen Mary I. Feast day: Oct. 16, along with Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley.

The pastoral staff of a bishop topped by a shepherd’s crook, symbolizing pastoral authority and care.

A 19th-century Black priest, missionary, and educator, who worked for the education of African Americans and supported their full participation in the cultural life of the United States. Feast day: Sept. 10.

A transitional deacon or priest, typically newly ordained, who assists a rector or parish priest.

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.

Roman Catholic in origin, a short course emphasizing spiritual renewal, discipleship, leadership, and ministry. Laypeople and clergy attend together.

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

A third-century bishop, martyr, and theologian of church unity from North Africa, who was beheaded by the Roman Empire. Feast day: Sept. 13.

Ninth-century Slavic brothers from Thessalonica. Both became priests and monastics, and Methodius became a bishop. Feast day: February 14.

A fourth-century theologian and bishop of Jerusalem. Feast day: March 18.

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.

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

Another term for Easter season, the Great Fifty Days between Easter and Pentecost.

Of or pertaining to the church.

Refers to the authority vested in a bishop to oversee matters related to the spiritual life and governance of a diocese. In the absence of a bishop, the standing committee holds ecclesiastical authority.

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

A ninth-century Christian martyr and King of East Anglia, who was captured, tortured, and beheaded by an army of invading Danes. Feast day: Nov. 20.

Known by the abbreviation EfM, a well-established adult Christian formation program widely offered in The Episcopal Church and beyond.

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

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.

An American author and pioneering lay leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who led the Woman’s Auxiliary for 40 years, mobilizing women who had little power or influence in church governance at the time. Feast day: Jan. 9.

The first Native American ordained in The Episcopal Church. An Ojibwe ordained deacon in 1859, his name means “He that prays for his people while standing.” Feast day: June 12.

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

Jan. 6, after the 12 Days of Christmas, commemorating the arrival of the Magi bearing gifts for the Christ child.

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.

Colloquially known as the Red Book, a reference book published annually by Church Publishing Incorporated containing current statistical, organizational, and contact information for The Episcopal Church.

The headquarters for The Episcopal Church, located in New York City, including the executive office of the presiding bishop. Referred to colloquially as “815” because of its address on Second Avenue.

The 1967 General Convention adopted “The Episcopal Church” as an approved alternate for the official name, which remains “The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.” The acronym “TEC” refers to this name of the church.

Formerly located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after the merger of Episcopal Theological School and Philadelphia Divinity School in 1974. No longer a residential or degree-granting seminary, EDS transitioned in 2023 to providing theological education, justice formation, and leadership development through partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

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

The episcopate refers to the office of bishop in general or to all those serving as bishops as a whole. A person’s tenure as a bishop is known as an episcopacy.