Glossary of Terms
Sacramentalists
This term is commonly applied to priests ordained according to the provisions of the canons which allow “communities which are small, isolated, remote, or distinct in respect of ethnic composition, […]
Sacramentals
The Prayer Book Catechism notes that the sacramental rites of Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction evolved in the church under the guidance of the Holy […]
Sacramentary
A liturgical book containing prayers used by the celebrant at the eucharist throughout the year, along with other liturgical prayers. The celebrant's prayer at the eucharist was mainly extemporaneous during […]
Sacramento, Diocese of
The 1898 General Convention voted that the bounds of the Missionary District of Northern California be changed to include the original counties in California plus all that portion of Nevada […]
Sacraments
Outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means for receiving God’s grace. Baptism and Eucharist are the two great sacraments given […]
Sacrifice (Eucharistic)
See Eucharistic Sacrifice.
Sacristan
A person who works in the sacristy, the room for storing and working with the various items needed for the liturgies and worship of the church. Such items may include […]
Sacristy
The room adjoining a church where vestments, altar hangings and linens, sacred vessels, and liturgical books are kept until needed for use in worship. Clergy typically vest in the sacristy.
Saint
A holy person, a faithful Christian, one who shares life in Christ. The term may also indicate one who has been formally canonized or recognized as a saint by church […]
Salina, Missionary District of
This jurisdiction existed from Oct. 17, 1901, until Nov. 14, 1960. See Western Kansas, Diocese of.
Salomon, Richard Georg
(Apr. 20, 1884-Feb. 3, 1966). Church historian. He was born in Berlin, Germany. Salomon received his doctoral degree in history from the University of Berlin in 1907, and then served […]
Salt Lake, Missionary District of
This jurisdiction existed from Oct. 13, 1898, until Oct. 10, 1907. See Utah, Diocese of.
Salutation
A liturgical dialogue of mutual greeting: “The Lord be with you. And also with you.” The salutation calls the people back to attention and adds emphasis to important moments in […]
Salvation
Eternal life in the fullness of God’s love. Salvation is deliverance from anything that threatens to prevent fulfillment and enjoyment of our relationship with God. In the OT, God was […]
Salvation History
The study of salvation history identifies the theological elements and influences in historical narratives. God's offer of salvation and humanity's response to that offer are expressed and visible in history. […]
San Diego, Diocese of
The 1973 General Convention voted to divide the Diocese of Los Angeles. The primary convention of the Diocese of San Diego met at St. Paul's Church, San Diego, Dec. 7-8, […]
San Joaquin, Diocese of
The 1910 General Convention voted to divide the Diocese of California, and establish the Missionary District of San Joaquin. It includes the following counties: Alpine, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, […]
Sancta sanctis
As early as the fourth century, eastern liturgies contained the Sancta sanctis, “the holy for the holy” or “holy things for holy people,” at a showing of the sacrament to […]
Sanctification
A theological term which derives from the Latin sanctus, “holy. In its proper sense “holy” refers to the holiness of God, but in a derived sense it applies to all […]
Sanctorale
The section of a service book such as a missal or breviary that provided the variable portions of services for the fixed dates of the church calendar. The propers for […]
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.