1608 Virginia St. East, P.O. Box 5400, Charleston, WV 25361  ·   304-344-3597  ·     Resources

Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
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Bishop's Visitation Information

Official Visitation: Bishop Visitations are official visits established by Canons and ancient Christian customs. Bishop Visitations are meant to tend to the life and health of the congregation and to strengthen connections with the wider Church. These visitations are a time for the Bishop to provide support and to hear the needs of the congregation; to talk about the spiritual and temporal health of the congregation and assist in future visioning. When possible, sacramental rites reserved to the Bishop take place, including Confirmation and Reception.

  • Bishop Cowden's Customary
  • Bishop Cowden's Pre-visitation Sheet
  • 2023 Visitation Schedule
  • The Re-Opening Peterkin Fund bulletin insert

Bishop Visitation 2023 Calendar

Upcoming Visitations

St. Paul's Weston

11Jun
Sunday, Jun 11, 2023
Details
St. Stephen's Romney

St. Stephen's Romney

18Jun
Sunday, Jun 18, 2023
Details
Mt. Zion Hedgesville

Mt. Zion Hedgesville

25Jun
Sunday, Jun 25, 2023
Details
St. Bartholomew's Leetown

St. Bartholomew's Leetown

02Jul
Sunday, Jul 02, 2023
Details
Scout Jamboree Worship Day

Scout Jamboree Worship Day

23Jul
Sunday, Jul 23, 2023
Scout Jamboree Worship Day
Details

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The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden
VIII Bishop Diocesan

    The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden

    VIII Bishop Diocesan

    The Right Reverend Matthew Davis Cowden is the eighth Bishop of West Virginia. He was consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor on March 12, 2022, and became Bishop Diocesan on October 14, 2022.

    With family roots in West Virginia, Bishop Cowden was born and reared in northern Virginia and then spent his teenage years in Miami, Florida. Raised with contemplative practices as a Quaker in the Religious Society of Friends, Bishop Cowden eventually found the Episcopal Church in his twenties. While pursuing a BFA and MFA in the performing arts, he combined his study of classical theater with that of liturgy and religion.

    After an early career as a college theater professor, he followed his joy to pursue ordained ministry and received his Master of Divinity degree at Virginia Theological Seminary. Bishop Cowden was ordained deacon and priest in 2006. He served parishes in the Dioceses of Virginia and Northern Indiana. As a Trainer in Congregational Development ministries, Bishop Cowden has led rural and suburban congregations in developing a shared vision for implementing new ministry.

    He is married to Melissa Cowden, his best friend and partner in ministry. Melissa is an early childhood educator with a master’s degree in multicultural education. They have three young-adult children: Meghan, a nurse; Nicholas, a ballet dancer; and Joshua, a computer science major. Bishop Cowden loves hiking, running, making memorable meals, folklore, and storytelling.

    Bishop's Visitation Calendar

    Bishop's Blog

    Easter Message from Bishop Cowden

    Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Hello, dear friends. I’m...

    Read More »

    Celebrating Bishop Matthew's First Year as Our Bishop

    One year ago today, Bishop Matthew Cowden was ordain...

    Read More »

    Holy Week Message from Bishop Cowden

    My friend Eric lost his wife of 15 years after an all-to...

    Read More »

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    The Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
    1608 Virginia Street East
    Charleston, WV 25314

    Mailing Address/PO Box:
    1608 Virginia Street East
    PO Box 5400
    Charleston, WV 25361

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    Location

    Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
    1608 Virginia St. East
    P.O. Box 5400
    Charleston, WV 25361

    Contact Us
    304-344-3597

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    Administrative Resources Clergy Resources Parish Resources Spiritual Resources
    Administrative Resources Clergy Resources Parish Resources Spiritual Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    License to Officiate Clergy Transition

    Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    Bishop's Visitation

    Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    Holy Week Resources

    Resources