Episcopal Glossary

Venerable - see Archdeacon.

Venite - See Invitatory,, also, BCP, 44, 82 or 146.

Veneration of the Cross - On Good Friday, after the cross has been brought into the church, it may either be venerated while all kneel in place or each person may come forward individually to venerate the cross (see BCP, 28]ff). In some places, the veneration is an act of kissing the foot of the cross.

Verger - A verger is a committed lay minister within the Church who assists the clergy in the conduct of public worship, especially in the marshalling of processions. Vergers can be full-time or part-time, paid or volunteer. Their duties can be purely ceremonial or include other responsibilities, such as parish administration, leadership of the worship committee or sexton.Usually thought of as someone who carries a mace or ceremonial staff in procession; vergers sometimes also had responsibility for the condition of the interior of a church.

Versicle - A short sentence, often taken from the Psalms, sung or said at the liturgy and followed by a response from the people.

Vessels, Sacred - See Chalice, Paten,, Ciborium; Flagon.

Very Reverend, The - a form of address for clergy who hold the office of dean in a church or school: the dean of a cathedral would be referred to as "The Very Reverend John C. Smith, Dean of Trinity Cathedral". See also Dean.

Vesting - Those who serve at the alter are regularly vested (dressed) in either cassock and surplice, alb and cincture, or cassock-alb. Vesting is the action of "putting on" this clothing.

Vestments - clothing worn by people who lead the services of a church; clothing worn by clergy. [The clothing worn by monks and nuns is usually called a 'habit'; the clothing worn by choir members is usually called a `robe'; the clothing worn by professors is usually called a `gown'.] Colors used in some vestments are changed during the year to indicate the seasons of the church year. Vestments are usually styled by cut and color to indicate whether a person is a deacon, presbyter, or bishop. Bishops' vestments for instance include a purple shirt; Any article of clothing worn over street clothes by those officiating or assisting at liturgical celebrations.

Vestry - governing board of a local Episcopal church consisting of lay members, much like the board of deacons in a Baptist church; the group that usually makes basic decisions about church budget, building plans, etc. Usually headed by a Senior Warden assisted by a Junior Warden who often follows the Senior Warden in office.

Vicar - an older English term referring to a priest in charge of a vicarage--a small parish; usually such priests were substituting for the "official" or assigned priest; sometimes but not often used by American Episcopal clergy.

Vigils - A period or service of preparation before major festivals or celebrations (see Great Vigil of Easter, BCP, 284ff.; Vigil of Pentecost, BCP, 227).

Votive candle - a devotional candle placed in a church or chapel; many votive candles are placed in many churches for the Festival of Lessons and Carols. Votive candles are often small, short candles in a special glass holder.