Glossary of Terms

Preces

Brief responsive prayers which are often based on verses of scripture, especially the Psalter. The BCP includes such versicles and responses after the Lord's Prayer in Morning Prayer (pp. 55, 97-98) and Evening Prayer (pp. 67-68, 121-122), which are also known as suffrages. The BCP offices also have opening preces (see S 33, S 58 […]

Predella

A raised platform or footpace for the altar.

Preface (Eucharistic)

Introductory section of the eucharistic prayer, including the salutation, the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus. Eastern eucharistic liturgies typically have prefaces with a fixed text that recalls salvation history. This tradition is reflected in Eucharistic Prayer D, based on the liturgy of St. Basil, and Eucharistic Prayer C, both of which have a […]

Prelate

In the Anglican tradition, the term indicates a bishop. The term “prelacy” has been used pejoratively to describe ecclesiastical governance by bishops. In Roman Catholicism, “prelate” has been applied to other ecclesiastical officials such as higher officials of the Roman curia, abbots, cardinals, and popes. Prelates with episcopal authority have been referred to as major […]

Prelude

An event or action that precedes another event or action. For example, An Order of Worship for the Evening may serve “as the introduction to Evening Prayer or some other service, or as the prelude to an evening meal or other activity” (BCP, p. 108). In the Episcopal Church, the term typically refers to a […]

Preparation of the Table and Presentation of the Offerings

It is the function of the deacon to prepare the altar for the celebration of the eucharist, preparing and placing upon it the bread and cup of wine (BCP, p. 407). The deacon may be assisted by other ministers in preparing the table. Although a corporal (small white cloth) is not required by the BCP, […]

Presbyter, Presbyterate

From the Greek presbyteros, “elder” or “old man.” In the NT, “presbyter” indicates a leader of the church. The presbyterate refers to the collegial leadership of the presbyters of the church. A member of the Jewish Sanhedrin was said to belong to the presbyteron, which was the council of the elders of the people (see […]

Prescott, Oliver Sherman

(Mar. 24, 1824-Nov. 17, 1903). Ritualist priest and monk. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Trinity Church, New Haven, where the rector was the Rev. Harry Croswell, a leading Tractarian priest. Prescott attended Washington College, 1840-1842, and then studied for a year at Yale. He attended the General Theological Seminary and […]

Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, The

A feast of our Lord celebrated on Feb. 2, also known as Candlemas and the Feast of the Purification. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus and the purification of Mary in the Jerusalem Temple forty days after Jesus' birth, in accordance with the requirements of Jewish law (Lv 12:2-8). The feast is celebrated about forty […]

Presentment

This is a formal allegation of a canonical offense by an ordained person. The presentment alleges that a triable offense has been committed and that there are reasonable grounds to believe the offense was committed by the person named in the presentment. The presentment is submitted by a standing committee or board of inquiry to […]

President, Presider (liturgical)

The BCP uses the word “celebrant” to describe the priest or bishop who presides at the Holy Eucharist. The word “officiant” is used to describe the minister, lay or ordained, who presides at the Daily Offices. Most contemporary liturgical books use “president” or “presider” for both. “President” is used by the English Alternative Service Book, […]

Presiding Bishop

Chief Pastor and Primate of the Episcopal Church. The office evolved originally from a rule of the House of Bishops in 1789 making its presiding officer the senior member in terms of date of consecration. As a result of increased duties, the office was incorporated into the Constitution of the Church in 1901 and styled […]

Presiding Bishop’s Diploma in Church Music Program

The original name of the Leadership Program for Musicians Serving Small Churches. See Leadership Program for Musicians Serving Small Churches.

Prevenient Grace

The aspect of God's grace that is understood to precede the free determination of the will. The term “prevenient” is derived from the Latin meaning “to come before” or “to anticipate.” The human response in faith to God is always a response to God's initiative and invitation communicated by the Holy Spirit. This faithful response […]

Price, Charles Philip

(Oct. 4, 1920-Oct. 13, 1999). Priest, theologian, and seminary professor. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Price received his B.A. from Harvard University in 1941, his M.Div. from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 1949, and his Th.D. from Union Theological Seminary in 1962. He was ordained deacon on Feb. 24, 1949, and priest on Oct. […]

Price, Roger

(Dec. 6, 1696-Dec. 8, 1762). Commissary to New England. He was born in Whitefield, England. Price graduated from Balliol College, Oxford on Feb. 21, 1717. He was ordained deacon and priest around 1720. On Apr. 22, 1725, he was given the living at Leigh in Essex County, England, which he retained throughout his life. Price […]

Priest

Derived from the Greek presbyteros, “elder” or “old man”, the term is used as a synonym for presbyter. Presbyters constituted a collegiate ruling body of institutions in Judaism. The Catechism notes that “the ministry of a priest or presbyter” is “to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to proclaim the […]

Priesthood of All Believers

Fundamental doctrine which affirms that all baptized Christians share the eternal priesthood of Jesus. Christ's high priesthood is unique and his atoning sacrifice was offered once for all. The royal priesthood of the people of God consists in the offering of ourselves repeatedly in daily obedience in the world (1 Pt 2:5; Rom 12:1). The […]

Primacy

In ecclesiastical terms, primacy is the status of being first, or presiding, among other bishops. In the early church, primacy was often accorded to the bishop of the chief city or metropolis of a geographical region. This primate was often called a metropolitan. The Archbishop of Canterbury held a regional primacy by the middle ages, […]

Primate

The chief bishop in an Anglican Province is called a primate. In the United States, the Presiding Bishop serves as “Chief Pastor and Primate.” The 1978 Lambeth Conference requested that primates' meetings should be established to enable regular consultation among the primates of the Anglican Communion. These meetings have taken place throughout the Anglican Communion. […]

An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Glossary of Terms