Glossary

The apostle known for voicing the first explicit acknowledgement of Christ’s divinity, “My Lord, and my God.” Sometimes known as Doubting Thomas because he refused to believe that Jesus Christ had been resurrected without seeing him. Feast day: Dec. 21.

A small metal pot on chains in which incense is burned during the Eucharist and other liturgies.

Server or acolyte who carries and swings the thurible in which incense is burned during the Eucharist and other liturgies.

A coauthor of several of Paul’s New Testament letters, and recipient of the First and Second Letters to Timothy. Believed to have become the first bishop of Ephesus. Feast day: Jan. 26, along with Titus, another devoted companion of Paul.

Large black scarf worn by clergy over surplice and cassock at the Daily Offices and Evensong.

A spiritual discipline of Christian stewardship in which an individual offers a portion of their income to the church, traditionally one-tenth, as a grateful response to God’s love.

The portion of the Canons of The Episcopal Church that regulates disciplinary proceedings pertaining to bishops, deacons, and priests.

The recipient of the Letter to Titus, who is believed to have become the first bishop of Crete. Feast day: Jan. 26, along with Timothy, another devoted companion of Paul.

An acolyte or server who carries a torch in procession, including the Gospel procession.

Candles mounted on poles for use in the liturgy.

In a cruciform or cross-shaped church building, the parts of the building forming the two lateral arms of the cross.

The feast, celebrated on Aug. 6, that marks Jesus’ radical change of appearance while in the presence of Peter, James, and John, on a high mountain. The transfiguration revealed Christ’s glory prior to the crucifixion, and anticipated his resurrection.

The belief that the substance of Christ’s body and blood replaces the substance of the Eucharistic bread and wine. A Roman Catholic doctrine that differs from Episcopal and Anglican theology. See Real Presence.

Authorization by General Convention for temporary use of liturgical texts or rites not currently authorized, for purposes of evaluation and possible future authorization. A bishop may also permit experimental or provisional use within a diocese.

The three-day observance of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, leading up to Easter Day; may also designate any three-day period of preparation for a feast day.

Trinity means “threefold unity.” The Trinity is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (BCP, p. 852).

One of the seven principal feasts of the church year, celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost to commemorate the one and equal glory of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A 19th-century traveling preacher, advocate for women’s rights, and abolitionist who was enslaved for the first 28 years of her life. Feast day: July 20, along with Amelia Bloomer and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

A 19th-century abolitionist who escaped from slavery and helped more than 300 others escape through the Underground Railroad. Feast day: March 10.

An honorific signifying respect. In The Episcopal Church, generally used as a title of address for an archdeacon, abbreviated as “The Ven.”

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.

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.

Traditional English name for the Feast of Pentecost.

A 19th-century English politician, evangelical lay person, and abolitionist deeply committed to ending slavery and the slave trade. Feast day: July 30.

A 16th-century English martyr who was executed for translating Scriptures into English. Feast day: Oct. 6.

A late 19th-century American missionary bishop to China and Japan. Feast day: Dec. 2.

An eighth-century monk, missionary, and bishop. Feast day: Nov. 7.

An 11th-century bishop of Worcester during the Norman Conquest. Feast day: Jan. 19.