f it and from which it gets its corporate
existence as a Parish. In the phraseology of the Canons, a missionary
Bishop presides over a "Missionary Jurisdiction" which it is
expected will develop into a Diocese, but according to the true
theory of the Church his _Missionary Jurisdiction_ is really a
Diocese. (See CATHEDRAL.)

Diocesan.--The name given to a Bishop who presides over a Diocese.
The word also means relating or pertaining to a Diocese.

Diocesan Convention.--The annual gathering of the Bishop, Clergy
and people of a Diocese. The Bishop and Clergy represent their own
Order and the people are represented by delegates elected by the
Vestries of the various parishes. The purpose of the Convention is
to review the work of the past year; make provision for the work
of the year following, and by legislative acts provide such laws
as may further the purpose for which the Diocese exists. For cause
special conventions may be called, a month's notice at least being
given to the clergy, and to the parishes within the Diocese. (See
CONVENTION.)

Diocesan Missions.--Church work done in a Diocese outside of its
Parishes and having for its object the extension of the Church
within the territorial limits of the Diocese, is called _Diocesan
Missions_. This work is prompted by those words of our Lord {83}
when He said, "Let us go into the next towns that I may preach there
also; for therefore came I forth." The Diocese embraces all the
people within its limits and for them all it has a message and a
blessing. For the deliverance of this message and the bestowal of
this blessing all, both Clergy and Laity, have responsibilities
and therefore the Church turns to them for the means whereby this
work can be carried on. The support of Diocesan Missions is as
obligatory on all members of the Church as the support of the
Bishop or their own Parish, and to this all will contribute annually
if they love the Lord Jesus in sincerity and truth. (See CONVOCATION.)

Diptychs.--In the early ages of the Church it was customary to
recite in holy commemoration the names of eminent Bishops, of
Saints and Martyrs; the names of those who had lived righteously
and had attained the perfection of a virtuous life. For this purpose
the Church possessed certain books, called _diptychs_, from their
being _folded together_, and in which the names of such persons
"departed in the true faith," were written that the Deacon might
rehearse them at the tim