The spelling of the word "episcopal" can be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with its pronunciation. The word is pronounced [ih-pis-kuh-puh l], with the stress on the second syllable. The first three letters, "epi," are pronounced with a short "i" sound, like the word "ipad." The next syllable, "scop," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, like the word "scope." Finally, the last syllable, "al," is pronounced with a neutral "uh" sound. Remembering the stressed syllable and each individual sound can help with proper spelling.
Episcopal is an adjective that refers to the form of church government where bishops hold the highest authority. This term originates from the Greek word “episkopos,” which means overseer or superintendent. An Episcopal church, therefore, is one that is governed by bishops.
In an Episcopal system, bishops have significant power and responsibility within a hierarchical structure. They are ordained clergy who oversee multiple congregations within a given region known as a diocese. The bishops have the authority to make decisions on matters such as doctrine, liturgy, and discipline. Episcopal churches often have a distinctive liturgical style, with a focus on sacraments, rituals, and a sense of continuity with historical Christian practices.
Episcopal can also be used to refer to individuals associated with the Episcopal Church, a specific denomination within Christianity that follows the episcopal form of government. This church is part of the Anglican Communion and maintains close ties with the Church of England. The Episcopal Church is known for its broad theological spectrum, its commitment to social justice, and its inclusive approach towards diverse perspectives.
Overall, the term Episcopal describes both a form of church governance and a specific Christian denomination, emphasizing the authority and role of bishops within the church structure.
Pert. to episcopacy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "episcopal" derives from the Greek term "episkopos", which means "bishop" or "overseer". This term is composed of two elements: "epi", meaning "over" or "on behalf of", and "skopos", meaning "watcher" or "guardian". In Christian terminology, "episcopal" refers to a form of church governance in which authority is vested in bishops or overseers.