The Venerable
——–For form of address see archdeacon.
How to Address a Venerable
The Venerable is not an office. Rather, it is a courtesy title used when addressing a high member of the clergy such as an archdeacon. Confirm the office held by the individual, then follow the link to that office at right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones.
—-The Venerable is used when addressing certain members of the clergy in writing following the same pattern as the Reverend.
—-The Venerable is used before a (Full Name) or (Initial[s]) + (Surname). Examples of correct forms include:
——–The Venerable Mark M. Phillips
—-—-The Venerable C. M. Phillips
—-‘The Venerable’ describes an individual: The person is a venerable person. It is not used in front of (to describe) an office:
—-—-Incorrect: The Venerable Archdeacon of St. Paul’s Cathedral
—-—-Correct: The Venerable Mark M. Phillips
—-—-Correct: The Archdeacon of St. Paul’s Cathedral
– Robert Hickey
Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”
When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?
You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.) The form noted in the salutation is the same form you say when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them.
___What I don’t cover on this site are many things I do cover in my book: all the rules of forms of address, about names, international titles, precedence, complimentary closes, details on invitations, place cards, all sorts of introductions, etc. I hope you’ll get a copy of the book if you’d like the further detail.
Not Finding Your Answer?
—-#1) At right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones, is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.
—-#2) If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so (unless I am traveling.) Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.
—-#3) If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question – but always change all the specifics.
— Robert Hickey
Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”
Recommended Resources: The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW) and Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA) For more information see the Protocol Resources page.