ecclesia

EpiscoBot Blog

March 9, 2026

CHANGELOG March 9, 2026

  • Performance Improvements to ENS Search We have improved the performance of the ENS search tool by using a more efficient search algorithm. This should result in faster search results and a better user experience.
  • Added ChatGPT 5.4 model for paid tiers We have added the ChatGPT 5.4 model to the paid tiers. This model is more powerful and faster than the previous models.
  • Added automated quality control agent We have added an automated quality control agent to the EpiscoBot. This agent is responsible for monitoring the quality of the EpiscoBot's responses and ensuring that they are accurate and helpful and suggesting improvements for our evolving design.

February 14, 2026

CHANGELOG February 14, 2026

  • Beta Testing Program: Launched a beta tester signup for users to try new features early and share feedback.
  • Beta of new EpiscoBot UI We have launched a beta of the new EpiscoBot UI. This new UI is more modern and user-friendly. It is still a work in progress and we are still working on it.

January 29, 2026

CHANGELOG January 29, 2026

  • A/B Testing for Response Quality: We are now occasionally showing two responses side-by-side and asking users to vote on which one is more helpful. This helps us evaluate different AI models and configurations to continuously improve EpiscoBot. When you see the split view, please take a moment to click "I prefer this response" on the one you find more useful. Your feedback directly shapes the future of EpiscoBot!

January 14, 2026

CHANGELOG January 14, 2026

  • Added filter_by_hymnal to the hymn lookup tool.
  • Added semantic-search fallback for hymn discovery when there is no direct scripture-hymn link found.
  • Improved system prompt to tell the AI agent to be more explicit with the user when the tool fails to find the results.

January 13, 2026

CHANGELOG January 13, 2026

  • Fixed 60-second timeout issue by implementing async tool execution.
  • Added conversation filtering and language detection to the admin dashboard.
  • Added useage graphs and stats to admin dashboard.

December 31, 2025

CHANGELOG December 31, 2025

  • Added facial recognition capability for identifying Episcopal Church figures in uploaded images.
  • Various EpiscoBot UI improvements and bug fixes.

December 22, 2025

Major Release: ai-service-v3

This release introduces a completely new AI service architecture with powerful new tools:

  • ENS Archive Tool: Search the Episcopal News Service archive for news articles, obituaries, and historical content.
  • ENS Image Search: Find and display images from the Episcopal News Service photo archive.
  • Lectionary API: Public API for Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and Daily Office readings.
  • Daily Office Tool: Retrieve Morning and Evening Prayer readings for any date.
  • Hymn Discovery Tool: Find hymns by scripture, theme, liturgical occasion, or service planning needs.
  • Sermon Discovery: Search the "Sermons That Work" archive with semantic search.
  • Thumbs Up/Down Feedback: Users can now rate responses as helpful or not helpful, with optional feedback reasons.

September 12, 2025

CHANGELOG September 12, 2025

  • Added web search tool capability for real-time information retrieval. (now deprecated)
  • Introduced new AI service container architecture.

June 24, 2025

CHANGELOG June 24, 2025

  • Introduced Shared Libraries feature allowing chatbots to access common document collections.
  • Added APIs for creating, managing, and assigning shared libraries to chatbots.