Glossary

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.

The second lesson in a standard service of Eucharist, usually drawn from New Testament letters to early church communities.

The sacrament of Christ’s body and blood, and the principal act of Christian worship. Also called Holy Communion.

Bread and wine that are consecrated for the Eucharist.

Pertaining to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Evangelicalism is a multidenominational Protestant movement emphasizing the authority of Scripture, personal conversion, and evangelism.

Evangelism is telling the story of Jesus, especially with the intent of inspiring people to become Christians. An evangelist is one who carries out this work.

One of the principal Daily Offices available in traditional and contemporary language in the BCP.

Short for Evening Song, a musically focused service of Evening Prayer, in which most of the service is sung.

The governing body of The Episcopal Church between sessions of the General Convention, charged with the oversight of program and policies adopted by General Convention. Also serves as the board of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS).

The use of oil for the anointing of the sick at the time of death.