Glossary of Terms
Vincentian Canon
The canonical threefold test of catholicity is found in the fifth-century Commonitorium of Vincent of Lérins (d. c. 445). Vincent was a monk on the island of Lérins in Gaul. […]
Virge
The virge is the staff which a verger carries in procession. The name comes from the Latin virga, “rod” or “staff.” It goes back to the ceremonial mace carried before […]
Virgin Birth
This term describes the birth of Jesus. Jesus' mother was Mary, and he was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, without a human father. Mary's virginity at the […]
Virgin Islands, Diocese of
The Virgin Islands became a part of the Missionary District of Puerto Rico in 1919. The House of Bishops established the Missionary District of the Virgin Islands in 1947, but […]
Virgin Mary
See Mary the Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, Saint.
Virginia Company of London
On Apr. 10, 1606, King James I of England chartered two companies to settle, respectively, the southern and northern portions of the land claimed by England in America. The Virginia […]
Virginia Theological Seminary
See Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia, The, Alexandria, Virginia (VTS).
Virginia, Diocese of
Organized in Richmond on May 18, 1785. The 1892 General Convention divided the diocese and today it includes the following counties: Albemarle, Arlington, Caroline, Charles City, Clark, Culpeper, Essex, Fairfax, […]
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The
The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1, records that at the time of the Annunciation, Mary learned her relative Elizabeth was miraculously pregnant. Mary went to visit Elizabeth and greeted her. […]
Visitation of the Sick
Traditional term for the pastoral office of Ministration to the Sick (BCP, p. 453). It may include one or more of the following: ministry of the word, laying on of […]
Visitation, Episcopal
See Episcopal Visitation.
Vocare
Vocare is a form of the Latin word meaning “to call.” The Vocare weekend is a renewal weekend for young adults, ages nineteen to thirty. At this time they face […]
Vocation
From the Latin vocare, “to call,” vocation is the “calling” one infers from the external and internal signs which evolve over time. Vocation may involve a task or job, but […]
von Wied, Hermann
(See Hermann von Wied of Cologne.)
Voorhees College, Denmark, South Carolina
A historically African American, coeducational, liberal arts college affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Voorhees was founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright (1872-1906) as the Denmark Industrial School. It opened on Apr. […]
Votive
Eucharistic celebration in which the proper collect, psalms, and readings concern a particular devotion. A votive may be chosen for pastoral reasons when no other celebration is required by the […]
Votive Lights
These are short thick candles inserted into small glass cups which worshipers may light as an act of devotion. They may be placed on shelves or stands in front of […]
Vows
Formal pledges or promises. All Christian vows are ultimately based in the promises made in the baptismal covenant (BCP, pp. 304-305). Vows may give form and particularity to the baptismal […]
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.