Glossary of Terms

Oakerhater, David Pendleton

(d. Aug. 31, 1931). The only American Indian listed in the Episcopal calendar of the church year. He was born between 1844 and 1851 on a Cheyenne reservation in Western […]

Oath

A swearing that asserts the truth of a statement or promise, typically in the name of God. An oath is often made formally and solemnly. For example, a witness at […]

Oath of Allegiance

In 1604 Parliament passed an act requiring all clergy of the Church of England to take an Oath of Allegiance at their ordination to the diaconate or priesthood in which […]

Oblate

The term is from the Latin for “offered.” Historically, in medieval times, oblates were children who were “given to God” in a monastery by their parents. The child would be […]

Oblation

1) Prayer of self-offering. Oblation is “an offering of ourselves, our lives and labors, in union with Christ, for the purposes of God” (BCP, p. 857). Christian oblation is based […]

Obsecrations

The term comes from a Latin word which means earnest entreaty or supplication made in the name of a deity or some sacred thing. The word has often been used […]

Obsequies

Funeral rites or ceremonies for the burial of the dead.

Occasional Papers of the Standing Liturgical Commission, The

These were originally issued beginning in 1982 as a series of papers by the Standing Liturgical Commission with the authorization of the General Convention. In 1987 those published during the […]

Occurrence

The coincidence of two scheduled feasts or observances of the calendar of the church year on the same day. For example, feasts celebrated on fixed dates such as All Saints' […]

Octave

Celebration of a feast over an eight-day period, beginning with the feast day itself as the first day. The term is from Latin for “eighth.” The term may indicate the […]

Odium Theologicum

The term is from the Latin, “theological hatred,” and indicates the bitterness and hostility that may accompany theological controversy.

Oertel, Johannes Adam Simon

(Nov. 3, 1823-Dec. 9, 1909). Priest and artist. He was born in Furth, near Nuremberg, in Bavaria, Germany. Oertel studied art in Nuremberg and Munich and spent much of his […]

Offering, Offerings

Gifts presented at a church service or other gathering. At the offertory, prior to the eucharistic prayer, representatives of the congregation bring the people's offerings of bread and wine, and […]

Offertory, Offertory Procession, Offertory Sentence

The first action of the second part of the Holy Eucharist-the liturgy of the table, called The Holy Communion by the BCP (pp. 333, 361). It consists of bread and […]

Office Hymn

An office hymn has formed a part of the Daily Offices of western Christians since the time of St. Ambrose in the fourth century. Ambrose is credited with beginning the […]

Office of Institution

American Prayer Books preceding the 1979 BCP included “An Office of Institution of Ministers into Parishes or Churches.” After the 1844 revision, this rite only provided for the induction of […]

Officiant

The person who leads the Daily Office or another church service. The term may indicate a member of the clergy or a lay person. The BCP uses the term to […]

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Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.

An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church