| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
The follower of a priest; a person assisting the priest in church ceremonies or services. The duties are usually performed by children (altar boys).
The literal meaning of this Greek word is "not sitting" as was the custom of Orthodox Christians to remain standing throughout the singing or reading of these pious devotions in church or privately at home before ones holy icons.
A series of hymns consisting of thirteen Kontakia (short hymns), each followed by a refrain and the first twelve followed also by an Oikos (pi. Oikoi). An in-toned or chanted hymn, somewhat longer than a Kontakion is sung. Then a fixed number of lines beginning with the words, "REJOICE", "JESUS", "HAIL" or "HOLY ART THOU".
Within our Holy Orthodox Church, you can find numerous Akathists. Some of the authors are known by the Church, others known only unto God.
The long white undergarment of the clergy, with close sleeves, worn under the chasuble.
In Orthodox Churches this term signifies the area of the sanctuary divided from the rest of the Church by the iconostasis.
A feast of the Orthodox Church (March 25) commemorating the visit of Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce that she was chosen to be the Mother of God (Luke 1:26-33).
It is a rectangular piece of cloth with representations of the entombment of Christ, the four Evangelists, and scriptural passages related to the Eucharist. The antimens must be consecrated by the head of the church and always lie on the Altar Table. No sacrament, especially the Divine Liturgy, can be performed without a consecrated antimens.
A short verse from the scriptures, especially the Psalms, sung or recited in the Liturgy and other church services. Any verse or hymn sung or recited by one part of the choir or chanters in response to another part.
Some of the books of the Bible not accepted by all denominations of Christians as true and divinely inspired. Some of them were written much later but attributed to important individuals of the apostolic times, thus bearing a misleading title.
The direct, continuous, and unbroken line of succession transmitted to the bishops of the Church by the Apostles. The bishops, who form a collective body (that is the leadership of the Church), are considered to be successors of the Apostles; and, consequently, the duties and powers given to the Apostles by Christ are transmitted through "the laying-on-of hands" to the bishops and priests who succeeded them by ordination to priesthood.
A senior deacon, usually serving with a bishop of higher rank (Archbishop or Metropolitan).
A monk of high rank assisting the bishop or appointed abbot in a monastery. In the Russian tradition some Archimandrites have the right to wear the mitre and the mantle.
A movable feast day, forty days after Easter, commemorating the ascension of Christ into Heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts, 1:12).
Monks who have accepted a monastic life and intensively practice self-discipline, meditation, and self-denial, motivated by love of God.
A feast day (August 15) commemorating the falling asleep of the Virgin Mary.
The status of an Orthodox Church which is self-governed and also has the authority to elect or appoint its own leader.
"He is worthy!" An exclamation made at ordination to signify the worthiness of the individual chosen to become a clergyman.
A sacrament instituted by Christ Himself, this is the regeneration "of water and the spirit" (John 3:5). An Orthodox baptism is administered by the priest (in case of absolute emergency, however, by a layman) through three complete immersions and by pronouncing the individual's name along with the name of the Trinity, "the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen". Chrismation follows immediately after baptism.
Candles made of beeswax are used in the Orthodox Church as a form of sacrifice and devotion to God or Saints. They are used in various Orthodox services and ceremonies and are symbolic of Christ, who is "the Light of the World." According to a different symbolism, the two elements of a candle represent the two natures of Christ: the Divine (the burning wick) and the Human (the wax body).
The long black garment with large sleeves worn by the Orthodox clergy as their distinct attire. Another such cassock with narrow sleeves is worn under the cassock. It symbolizes the death of a clergyman to this world, and his burial and subsequent dedication to God and his heavenly kingdom.
A convert to Christianity in the early Church, who received instructions in Christianity, but was not yet baptized.
A term describing the universality of the Christian message, claimed to be exclusively theirs by the Orthodox Church. However, in the West, it has come to mean the Roman Catholic church.
A metal vessel hung on chains, used in church ceremonies for burning incense. There are twelve small bells attached to the chains, representing the message of the Twelve Apostles.
A large cup of silver or gold, with a long-stemmed base, used for the Eucharist. It is one of the most sacred vessels of the church and is handled only by the clergy.
A sleeveless garment worn by the priest in the celebration of the Liturgy. Short in front, with an elongated back, and an opening for the head, it is one of the most ancient vestments of the Church, symbolizing the seamless coat of Christ.
Liturgical hymn sung after the Gospel-reading and during the Great Entrance.
Sanctified oil composed of several ingredients and fragrances, used in the sacrament of Chrismation (after Baptism). The Holy Chrism in the Orthodox Church is exclusively prepared by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, blessed in a series of preparations and ceremonies. Holy Thursday is customarily the day of its consecration.
The receiving of the sacrament of the Eucharist after proper preparation, fasting, and confession. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to receive communion as often as possible, even daily.
A worship service performed after dusk. It is often combined with Vespers, to form an all-night vigil. There is a Great Compline and a shorter service, known as Little Compline.
The pastoral staff of a bishop, signifying his responsibilities and the authority by which he spiritually rules his flock.
A metal crown or wreath made of cloth, with which the priest "crowns" the newlyweds during the sacrament of Matrimony. The crowns are white, signifying purity, and represent the power that is given to the newlyweds to become "king and queen" of their home.
The first of the three orders of priesthood. A deacon is not permitted to perform the sacraments, but assists the Bishop and the Priest in the Eucharist and other services or ministries of the church.
A set of two candleholders, one double-branched candlestick and another triple-branched, both used by the Bishop in blessing at the Liturgy. The Dikiri (double candleholder) signifies the two natures of Christ, while the Trikiri (triple candleholder) signifies the Holy Trinity.
The "First Among Equals" of all the Orthodox autocephalous churches and was founded by St. Andrew the Apostle.
Petitions or litanies used in Orthodox services, particularly in the Liturgy. They refer to the world in general, peace, leadership and those in need. The response to an ektenial petition is: "Lord have mercy"
The solemn procession of the celebrating clergy carrying the Gospel at the Liturgy, after the Antiphons (Small Entrance), and carrying the Holy Gifts during the chanting of the cherubic Hymn (Great Entrance).
One of the most important vestments hanging from the neck down to the feet. An Orthodox priest must wear this particular vestment to perform a sacrament.
An honorary title given to saints such as St. Constantine and Sts. Cyril and Methodius for their missionary work in the Church.
Spiritual movement in the Byzantine Empire (fourteenth century) developed on Mount Athos, Greece. The term means "to be quiet" and signifies the system of spiritual development through meditation, contemplation and perfection to the degree of absolute union with God (theosis). It is one of the forms of Orthodox Mysticism and is still practiced in the Orthodox world.
In Orthodox monasteries, monks maintain special services for the main hours of the day. Each hour commemorates
a special event, as follows:
The Hours read before Liturgy are the Third and Sixth Hours.
A Byzantine-style painting in oil on wood, canvas, paper or a wall (fresco) representing Christ, the Virgin Mary, or other Saints and scenes from the Bible. The Orthodox Church uses icons for veneration with the understanding that the respect is paid not to the material icon but to the person represented "in spirit and truth" (cf. John 4:24).
This refers to the conflict in the Byzantine Empire between 787 and 843 aver the use of icons in the Church. The Seventh Ecumenical Council (787 and 843) decreed the use of icons, following in the main teaching of St. John of Damascus.
The study and the art of painting (writing) of icons. In the Orthodox Church, iconography was developed mainly in the monasteries, which became the centers of its study and development.
In the Orthodox Church the term signifies: 1) the stand on which the main icon of the Patron Saint of the Church is placed for veneration. 2) The screen separating the Sanctuary or Altar from the Church proper and adorned with various icons. There may be two or three tiers of icons in an iconostasis, but the main tier must follow a certain iconographic form as following (from north or left side, to south): the icon of the Patron Saint of the Church; of the Virgin Mary, of Christ, and of St. John the Baptist.
A short prayer that the Orthodox constantly repeat to practice devotion to God; the tradition of repeating
this distinctive prayer was developed in Orthodox monasteries. The text of the Jesus Prayer is:
More information on the Jesus Prayer.
The colored cylindrical hat worn by Orthodox clergy. The black monastic veil (klobuk) worn by the celibate clergy at various services or ceremonies is attached to the kalymauki.
1) Short hymns consisting of nine odes, sung at the service of Matins. 2) The special service known as the Great Kanon sung on the evening of the Wednesday of the fifth week of the Great Lent.
Liturgical hymn; The twenty stanzas into which the Orthodox Psalter is divided; The second kanon of the Matins.
A Liturgical Hymn that gives an abbreviated form of the meaning or history of the feast of a given day. The kontakion is sung after the sixth ode of the Canon in the Liturgy and the Service of the Hours. St. Romanos the Melodist is considered to be the most important hymnographer of the Kontakion.
A small, lance-shaped, double-edged knife used by the priest for the cutting of the altar bread in the service of the Preparation of the Holy Gifts (see Proskomide).
Bread made with yeast (enzymes); and used far altar bread for the Orthodox Eucharist (as opposed to the unleavened bread used by the Latin Church).
The main form of worship for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Orthodox Church celebrates
different versions of the Liturgy:
A symbol for Christ, the word incarnate, or "word made Flesh," which is also called "the Word of God" (cf. John, 1:1-4).
The prayer taught by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matt. 6:9-33 and Luke 11:2-4). It begins with the phrase "Our Father" and is the most common Orthodox prayer.
A distinctive and elaborate garment, purple or blue in color, worn by the Bishop in various Church ceremonies and services, such as Vespers, but not during the Liturgy.
The Morning Service, which is combined with the Liturgy. It begins with the reading of six Psalms, the reading of the Gospel, the chanting of the Canon, and the Great Doxology.
A Liturgical book containing the lives of the saints and the special hymns (stichera) for the feast-days of the Orthodox Saints. It is divided into twelve volumes, one for each month.
The prelate of the largest or most important city or province with primacy of jurisdiction. In Slavic Churches or autocephalous Churches this is the prelate of the Jurisdiction (i.e. OCA)
The official headdress or "crown" of a Bishop. In Slavic churches some archimandrites are allowed to wear the mitre as a recognition of their service to the church. The mitre derives from the crown of the Byzantine emperor.
A heresy which arose in the fifth century concerning the two Natures of Christ. The monophysites accepted only the Divine Nature of Christ, and were condemned as heretics by the Fourth Ecumenical Council, at Nicea (451 A.D) The Coptic Orthodox are Monphysites.
The tradition of the Orthodox people to celebrate one's Name-Day instead of a birthday. Since the Orthodox people are usually named after a Saint's name, all those having the same name celebrate together. Celebration of the Name-Day is considered to be spiritually important, and the celebrating individual develops special spiritual ties with his Patron Saint and, consequently, with God.
The vestibule area of the Church, leading to the Church proper or the Nave. In the early Church this area was assigned for penitents and those who were not yet baptized (catechumens).
The center of the Church proper of an Orthodox Church, where the faithful remain to observe the Liturgy and other services.
Service book containing the canons and hymns of the eight tones or modes of Byzantine music. They are used in all services, arranged every eight weeks, one for each tone, and are attributed to St. John of Damascus (eighth century), one of the greatest Orthodox hymnographers and theologians.
One of the deacon's vestments, made of a long band of brocade and worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. It signifies the wings of the angels.
The common and official name used by the Greek Christians and Eastern Christian Church. The Orthodox Church maintains her belief that she alone has kept the true Christian faith, complete and unaltered. Means "right teaching".
The first Sunday of Lent, commemorating the restoration of icons in the Church (see Iconoclasm).
One of the Orthodox names used to address the Mother of God. In Orthodox art, the term Panagia denotes an icon depicting the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, or the Bishop's medallion which usually is decorated with an icon of the Panagia (especially in the Russian Church).
One of the appellations of God. In Orthodox art, Pantocrator is the name of the fresco decorating the center of the dome, depicting Christ as the almighty God and Lord of the Universe.
Service for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.
The highest prelate in the Orthodox Church. Today there are eight Orthodox prelates called patriarchs.
The theological field that studies the lives and the writings of the Fathers of the Church.
A Liturgical verse or scriptural passage sung or read before the reading of the Epistle. It serves as an introduction to the theme of this particular reading.
The Service of the Preparation of the elements of bread and wine before the Liturgy. It takes place on the Table of Oblation, which is situated at the left (north) side of the Altar.
The Altar bread which is leavened and prepared with pure wheat flour to be used for the Eucharist. It is round and stamped on the top with a special seal. Sometimes it is made in two layers symbolizing the two natures of Christ (Human and Divine). The inscribed parts of the top are used for the Eucharist and the rest of it is cut into small pieces to be distributed to the faithful after Liturgy (antidoron).
The individual assigned to read, chant, and give responses in church services. Usually such a person will be blessed by the Bishop with special prayers and in a special ceremony.
The remains from the body of Saint or even a Saint's possessions, such as clothes or vestments. The relics are honored and venerated by all Orthodox. Upon the consecration of a new church, the consecrating Bishop embeds holy relics in the Altar Table, following the ancient traditions of the church in performing the Eucharist on the tombs of Martyrs.
A laymen who has received a special blessing by the Bishop to serve in the Church, assisting in the services and ceremonies.
A brief biography of a Saint read in the church on occasions of his feast day; Book or books containing lives of the Saints.
A theological term commonly used by the Orthodox to indicate the doctrinal significance of Virgin Mary as Mother of God.
The transfiguration of Christ is a major feast day (August 6) commemorating the appearance of Christ in Divine glory along with Moses and the prophet Elias on Mount Tabor (cf. Matt. 17: 1-7).
The period between the Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican, and Cheese-Fare Sunday.Also, A Liturgical book containing the hymns, prayers and services of the movable feast before Easter, beginning with the Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican until Pascha.
Memorial Service performed by the graveside or in Church for the repose of the soul.
Liturgical book which contains instructions about the order of the various Church Services and ceremonies in the form of a calendar.
(see Chrism)
An important service of the Orthodox Church, held in the evening, which is mainly a Thanksgiving prayer for the closing day and a welcome of the new one to come the following morning. On the eve of an important holiday, the Vesper Service includes the Litya or the blessing of the five loaves for health and the well-being of the faithful.
The distinctive garments worn by the clergy in the Liturgy and the other Church Services.
Spiritual exercises during the night preceding the feast day of a saint or another major feast, observed by various spiritual preparations, prayers and services.