tion" as used in the American Church
has reference to certain territorial divisions in a Diocese, or
the grouping together of the Clergy and Laity of certain districts
of a Diocese, for the more efficient and systematic work of missions.
Usually each Diocese is divided into two or more Convocational
Districts, each one presided over by a Priest, either elected by
the Clergy of the Convocation or appointed by the Bishop, and
usually called the "Dean of Convocation." This arrangement has
been found to be very helpful in creating a greater interest in
the work of Diocesan Missions and in promoting Church extension
within the Convocational limits.

The term is also applied to the annual meetings of {70} the Bishop,
Clergy and Laity of a Missionary Jurisdiction, which being a
mission, is not entitled to hold a Diocesan Council or Convention.

Cope.--A long cloak of silk or other rich material, semicircular in
shape, fastened in front at the neck by a clasp or morse and having
on the back a flat hood embroidered. It is worn over the alb or
surplice and varies in color according to the Church season. Usually
worn in processions by Priest or Bishop and is symbolical of rule.

Corporal.--One of the pieces of Altar linen. A napkin of fine linen
to be spread on the Altar, and upon which the sacred vessels are
placed at the Holy Communion. When the Altar breads are on the
Altar, the lower right hand corner of the corporal is turned back
over them, except during the oblation and consecration.

Cotta.--A shorter form of the surplice, not so full and having
short sleeves. The short surplice worn by choir-boys and choirmen
is usually called a cotta.

Council.--An assemblage of the Church met together for the purpose
of considering matters of faith and discipline and legislating upon
them. The Council may be ecumenical, _i.e._, general, or else
of local interest and as such may be National, provincial or
Diocesan. The General Councils are those held by the UNDIVIDED
CHURCH (which see) and which have been universally received. They
are generally regarded as being six in number, as follows:

I. Council of Nicea, held A.D. 325, met to consider the heresy of
Arius and which gave us the Nicene Creed. {71}

II. Council of Constantinople, held A.D. 381, to consider the
heresy of Macedonius and which reaffirmed the Nicene Creed and
completed it as it now stands except the "Filioque."

III. Council of Ephesus, held A.D. 431, to conside