Glossary

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.