Epistle
The second lesson in a standard service of Eucharist, usually drawn from New Testament letters to early church communities.
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Glossary
An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church
Glossary definitions adapted from An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians, edited by Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY.
Eucharist
The sacrament of Christ’s body and blood, and the principal act of Christian worship. Also called Holy Communion.
Eucharistic Elements
Bread and wine that are consecrated for the Eucharist.
Evangelical
Pertaining to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Evangelicalism is a multidenominational Protestant movement emphasizing the authority of Scripture, personal conversion, and evangelism.
Evangelism, Evangelist
Evangelism is telling the story of Jesus, especially with the intent of inspiring people to become Christians. An evangelist is one who carries out this work.
Evening Prayer
One of the principal Daily Offices available in traditional and contemporary language in the BCP.
Evensong
Short for Evening Song, a musically focused service of Evening Prayer, in which most of the service is sung.
Executive Council
The governing body of The Episcopal Church between sessions of the General Convention, charged with the oversight of program and policies adopted by General Convention. Also serves as the board of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS).
Extreme Unction
The use of oil for the anointing of the sick at the time of death.