Episco-what?

EPISCOPAL, Episcopalian, and Anglican are all words that identify an individual or congregation as having historical ties to the Church of England. It's a Christian denomination. We do not manufacture episcopes, nor should you ask us to scope anything for you.

From C.S. Lewis to Sammy Sosa, Desmond Tutu, Georgia O'Keefe, Michael J. Fox, and Van Morrison, there are lots of different sorts of people who call themselves Episcopalians, and we like it that way. Kind of reminds you of the kingdom of God, don't you think? Learn more about the Episcopal Church and how we approach the Christian life here or just show up at one of the services.

Glossarie

of certain straunge termes, which are called episco-speak

A more complete (and serious) glossary is published by the national Church.

acolyte, n.

an assistant to the priest during the service

bishop, n.

the head of a diocese; leads, shepherds and unifies the Church; wears a mitre (funny hat) during services

cense, v.

to waft the smoke of incense in the general direction of

crucifer, n.

an acolyte who carries the cross during the procession

diocese, n.

a communion of parishes and other ministries in a geographic area, overseen by a bishop. plural: dioceses (how does one pronounce that?!)

episcopal, adj.

having something to do with bishops (Greek episkopoi)

eucharist, n.

the sacrament of bread and wine, also known as communion or the Lord’s Supper, in which we are united with Christ

liturgy, n.

the way we pray together

mitre, n.

the funny hat worn by a bishop for liturgical purposes

minister, n.

every baptized Christian

parish, n.

a self-supporting worshipping congregation, led by a vestry and a rector

priest, n.

an ordained minister; carries out the missionary and pastoral work of the Church, but doesn’t (usually) wear a funny hat

rector, n.

the head priest of a parish

sacrament, n.

an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace, the two main ones being baptism and eucharist

thurible, n.

a covered incense burner on a chain; is swung around on this chain to cense (waft incense toward) various objects and people during the liturgy

thurifer, n.

an acolyte who carries the thurible (incense burner) during the procession

vestry, n.

the elected governing body responsible for the administrative matters of a parish