Orthodox Dictionary

Written by Members of the Monachos Discussion Community

Welcome to Monachos.net's dictionary of common Orthodox terminology. This dictionary has been created due to requests from members of the Discussion Community for a centralised index of the main terms encountered in the discussion of Orthodox patristic, monastic and liturgical materials. If you would like to suggest a new term for definition, would like to define a term yourself, or would like to comment on any of the definitions found below, please do so in the relevant thread in the forum by clicking here.

A

Abbot

(ăb'ət) n.

The superior of a monastery, responsible for its organisation and the life of its members. The term 'abbot' comes from abba, 'father'. In most Orthodox practice, this term is not in fact used, but instead hegumen or igumen, from the Greek hegoumenos, meaning 'the one who leads'.
(Abbr. Abb.) Used as a title for such a person. Sometimes seen as 'Ig.' or 'Heg.'

Advent

(ăd'vĕnt') n.

A coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important: e.g. 'the advent of the Son.'
1. In Orthodox terminology it is most often used in reference to the coming of the incarnate Christ.
2. See also 'Second Coming'.
Advent (season)
1. In western churches, Advent it the liturgical period preceding the Feast of the Nativity of Christ (Christmas), beginning in these churches on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
2. While this four-Sunday season is not found in the Orthodox Church, the period of fasting leading up to the Feast of the Nativity (a fast that begins in mid-November) runs roughly parallel in time, and is sometimes called 'the advent fast'. It is observed as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence.

Akathist

An akathist hymn (also encountered as transliterated from the Greek, Akathistos, and the Russian, Akafist), taking its name from the Greek for 'not sitting', is a liturgical text in honour of a specific saint, feast, event or need. Common akathist hymns exist in dedication to Jesus and to various saints, but the most common is that to the Mother of God, in existence already in 532, traditionally composed by Saint Romanos, and was added to before its official recognition by the church in 626. Akathists consist of alternating short stanzas (kontakia) and long stanzas (ikoi), the latter often of repeated refrains of exultation. E.g.:

"Rejoice, you through whom joy shall shine forth. Rejoice, you through whom the curse will vanish.
Rejoice, the Restoration of fallen Adam. Rejoice, the Redemption of the tears of Eve.
Rejoice, O Height beyond human logic. Rejoice, O depth invisible even to the eyes of Angels.
Rejoice, for you are the King's throne. Rejoice, you bear Him, Who bears the universe.
Rejoice, O Star revealing the Sun. Rejoice, O Womb of divine Incarnation.
Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. Rejoice, you through whom the Creator is born a Babe.
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride." (more...)

Allah

(ăl'ə, ä'lə) n.

The Arabic term for God, and as such it is used in Orthodox churches in Arabic-speaking lands.
In the modern western world, often taken (errantly) as exclusive to Islam.

Alms

(ämz) pl.n.

Money or goods given as charity to the poor.
Acts of charity given in benefit and support of those in need, often heightened furing liturgical fasts and other periods of increased attentiveness.

Almsgiving

The act of giving alms. Understood as a virtue in obedience to the commandment and witness of Christ.

Altar

The area behind (i.e. to the east of) the iconostasis in an Orthodox Chuch, also called the Sanctuary. Only males are allowed to enter the Altar area, and only with a blessing for a specific duty of service in the Church.
Sometimes used colloquially to refer to what is properly called the Holy Table, found centrally in the sanctuary, on which the Eucharist is celebrated and around which the central motions of the Divine Liturgy are carried out.

Ambon

See below, amvon.

Amvon

n., sometimes as 'Ambon'

The raised area in front of the iconostasis, on which certain portions of the divine services take place. Most characteristically, it is on the amvon that the deacon stands when proclaiming the litanies; and the 'Prayer before the amvon', proclaimed by the priest, is made before it at the end of the Liturgy.

Anaphora

The central prayers of the Divine Liturgy, sometimes called the Canon or the prayers of consecration. In the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom these begin with the deacon's 'Let us stand aright, let us stand in fear, let us attend, that we may offer the holy oblation in peace', and the choir's response: 'Mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise...'.

Anathema

(ə-năth'ə-mə) n., pl. -mas.

A formal ecclesiastical ban, curse, or excommunication.
A vehement denunciation.
Used adjectivally or adverbially in reference to a person or a teaching that has been denounced or placed under a ban of excommunication ('He is anathema' or 'That doctrine is anathema').
Apart from formal excommunication, the term is sometimes used in reference to a group or practice that is shunned (e.g. 'Essentialism — a belief in natural, immutable sex differences — is anathema to postmodernists, for whom sexuality itself, along with gender, is a "social construct"'; Wendy Kaminer).

Apologetics

Texts or other works delivered in defence or justification of a doctrine or practice (see Apology, below).
The field of study or practice of theological apology.

Apologist

(ə-pŏl'ə-jĭst) n.

Any person who engages in theological apologetics.
More loosely, any person who defends anything (e.g. 'She is an apologist for the rights of the poor').
In patristic study, refers most often to one of the writers of the second century AD, who engaged in the defence and justification of the Christian faith in the Graeco-Roman empire; e.g. Justin the Philosopher, Athenagoras, Melito.

Apology

From the Greek apologia, meaning 'defence' or 'justification'. Most often refers to a text, oration, or other means of defending the rectitude and reasonableness of the Christian faith.
The title given to the First and Second Apologies of Justin the Philosopher, the Apologeticum of Tertullian of Carthage, and the apologetic works of other patristic apologists.

Apolytikion

The principal troparion of a given feast.

Apostasy

(ə-pŏs'tə-sē) n., pl. -sies.

Abandonment of one's religious faith, one's principles, or a cause.
Can refer specifically to the abandoning of the teachings and practices of the Church.
In scriptural and theological writings, may refer to the rebellion of the angels before the creation of the earth, including the fall of Lucifer.
In some apocryphal writings or contexts, refers to the prophecy of rebellion in the book of the Apocalypse (Revelation).

Apostate

One who is in apostasy.
The devil; Satan (often encountered as capitalised: 'The Apostate challenged Christ...').

Apostle

(ə-pŏs'əl) n.

From the Greek meaning 'One who is sent', refers most often to any member of the group of twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to preach the Gospel. They were originally sent by Jesus to preach in pairs (see Mark 6.7-13). These were Sts Simon (also called Peter, Cephas); Andrew, Peter's brother, the first-called; James and John, the sons of Zebedee; Philip from Bethsaida; Bartholomew (sometimes identified as the same person as Nathaniel of John 1.45-51); Thomas the twin; James, the son of Alphaeus; Matthew; Simon the Canaanite, also known as 'the Zealot'; Judas Iscariot (replaced after his apostasy and suicide by Matthias); and Jude (sometimes called Thaddaeus).
1. Following on the traditional mission of these first apostles to preach the Gospel throughout the earth, the term may also refer to a missionary of the early Church; or
2. A leader of the first Christian mission to a country or region.
The term also refers to the collection of epistles in a bound volume, for reading at the Divine Liturgy. The epistle reading is often known as 'The reading of the Apostle'.
Colloquially, one who pioneers an important reform movement, cause, or belief; e.g. an 'apostle of conservation'.

Archbishop

A rank of bishop; see below, Bishop, for fuller definition.

Archdiocese

See below, Diocese.

Archpriest

An honorific rank of non-monastic priest; see below, Presbyter for fuller definition.

Ascesis

From the Greek for 'preparation' (originally a sporting term, referring to the athletic preparations for events and games), most often refers to rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint, in purification of the will and the whole human person for a more active participation in the life in Christ. Broadly indicates the practice of holistic means to engage the human person in the Christian life.
May refer to specific ascetical acts: e.g. fasting, vigils, almsgiving.
May refer to the personal practices of an individual's Christian life (e.g. 'His ascesis was severe').

Ascetic

(ə-sĕt'ĭk) n.

A person who commits himself or herself wholly to a life of ascesis, renouncing material comforts and leading a life of austere self-discipline.
Sometimes a title used in reference to saints or individuals of a reputed ascetical riguour.

adj., sometimes as 'ascetical'

An act or behaviour grounded in the aims of ascesis. May also refer to the whole of life as an ascetical project; 'The Ascetical Life'.
Pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic; self-denying and austere: an ascetic existence.

Asceticism

(ə-sĕt'ĭ-sĭz'əm) n.

The principles and practices of an ascetic.
The doctrine that the ascetic life frees the soul and body from bondage to the passions, and permits union with God (see deification).

Athos

(ăth'ŏs, ā'thŏs, ä'thôs), Mount

A peak, about 2,034 m (6,670 ft) high, of northeast Greece. It is the site of the semi-independent monastic state of Mount Athos (known also as Aghion Oros, 'The Holy Mountain'), originally founded in the tenth century though settled far earlier. Athos is often understood as the heart of Orthodox monasticism, and remains to this day a significant locus of monastic practice in the Orthodox world.

Athonite

adj.

A monk of Mount Athos (e.g. 'He is an Athonite'; or in commemorations, 'St Athanasius the Athonite').
A practice or custom originating in or common to the Holy Mountain. In particular this may refer to specific liturgical or ascetical practices, or to monastic typika and customs.
Colloquially, often taken to refer to something characterised by an intense and driving asceticism (e.g. 'His fasting was almost Athonite').

Autocephalous

Au•to•ceph•a•lous, adj.

From the Greek for 'self-headed', refers to an Orthodox Church that is no longer the functional 'daughter' of a 'mother patriarchate', and which is governed by its own 'head' (kephalos) - usually either a Patriarch or Metropolitan.

Autonomous

From the Greek for 'self-ruling', refers to an Orthodox Church that has been granted a degree of functional governing independence by its mother patriarchate, and which thus carries out a large degree of its governing locally, whilst still retaining its connection to the mother Church. In the missionary development of new lands, this is the status granted to a Church prior to autocephaly.

B

Baptise

To enact a baptism (see below).
Colloquially, to convert a people or land to the Orthodox Church (e.g. 'Sts Cyril and Methodius began to baptise the Russian land').

Baptism

(băp'tĭz'əm) n.

The religious mystery (sacrament) of entry into the Church and new birth in the Christian life, marked by the immersion of the body into water following prayers of exorcism, preparation and avowal. One of the principal sacraments of the Church, baptism is intrinsically linked to the sacrament of chrismation.
1. Usually performed on infants, with Godparents presenting the child for baptism in the presence of the parents, and themselves speaking the confessions of faith and vows on behalf of the child.
2. May also be performed on adults who are received into the Church by this means.
Colloquially, the conversion of a land or people to the Orthodox Church (e.g. 'The baptism of Russia').

Bishop

One who has been ordained to the major order of the clergy in this office.
An office of the major orders of the clergy. A bishop (from the Greek episkopos, 'overseer') is the highest order of clergy in the Church, successor to the apostles in the charism of governing the Christian faithful. In present practice, bishops are always drawn from the ranks of the monastics, and thus are never married. All bishops in the Church are canonically equal, but there are distinctions of administrative rank among them. These are:
1. Ruling bishops (i.e. those who govern a diocese or territory):
  1. Diocesan Bishop: The normal rank of bishop, in charge of a diocese.
  2. Archbishop & Metropolitan: A title granted to a bishop in charge of a large or senior see; or at times as an honorific for long-serving bishops. In the older practice, preserved in the Slavic and Antiochian traditions, the rank of Metropolitan is higher than that of Archbishop; in the Greek practice this order is reversed.
  3. Patriarch: A title reserved for the primates of certain autocephalous churches.
2. Non-ruling bishops (i.e. a bishop who does not rule his own diocese):
  1. Patriarchal vicar: A bishop appointed by a patriarch for a specific task.
  2. Auxuliary bishop: A bishop serving in a diocese or territory as assistant to the diocesan bishop.
  3. Titular bishop: of two types:
    1. As a bishop named for an ancient but no-longer-extant see, in order to serve in a territory where it is not possible to consecrate a bishop of locale title (e.g. the ruling diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Sourozh, Great Britain, is normally title 'Bishop of Sourozh', rather than 'Bishop of London').
    2. As a bishop given a titular rank in order to serve in a specific auxiliary capacity.

Bright Week

The week immediately following the Sunday celebration of Pascha, in which no fasting is permitted, and during which the Divine Liturgy is normally celebrated every day, with the Royal Doors and the Deacon's Doors are left open throughout.

Byzantine

(bĭz'ən-tēn', -tīn', bĭ-zăn'tĭn) adj.

Of or relating to the ancient city of Byzantium.
Of or relating to the Byzantine Empire.
1. Of or belonging to the style of architecture developed from the fifth century AD in the Byzantine Empire, characterised especially by a central dome resting on a cube formed by four round arches and their pendentives and by the extensive use of surface decoration, especially veined marble panels, low relief carving, and colored glass mosaics.
2. Of the painting and decorative style developed in the Byzantine Empire, characterised by formality of design, frontal stylised presentation of figures, rich use of color, especially gold, and religious subject matter.
Due to its connection with the Byzantine Empire, may also refer to the Orthodox Church or the rites performed in it.
Within the Roman Catholic communion, 'Byzantine Catholic' often refers to a church or region that maintains the worship of Byzantine Rite (sometimes known as 'Uniate').
Often, as byzantine:
1. Of, relating to, or characterized by intrigue; scheming or deviousness ('a fine hand for Byzantine deals and cozy arrangements', New York).
2. Highly complicated; intricate and involved ('he introduced a bill to simplify the byzantine tax structure').

A native or inhabitant of Byzantium or the Byzantine Empire.

C

Canon

(kăn'ən) n.

From the Greek for 'measuring stick' or 'rule', refers in the earliest Christian writings to a 'rule of faith' (kanon pisteos), or summary confession of the central tenets of Christian life and thought.
An ecclesiastical rule (sometimes 'law') established by a Church council.
1. As 'canon law', in reference to the collected body of Church canons, used to guide the life of the Christian community in its ascetical aims.
2. Often in reference to the collection of canons known as The Rudder.
The delimited list of scriptural books deemed authoritative by the Church (i.e. 'the scriptural canon'). In the Orthodox Church, these are:
1. Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel), 2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel), 3 Kingdoms (1 Kings), 4 Kingdoms (2 Kings), 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, 1 Esdras, Ezra (2 Esdras), Nehemiah (2 Esdras), Tobit, Judith, Esther, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, 3 Maccabees, 4 Maccabees, Job, Psalms, Odes, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Wisdom, Sirach, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
2. New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Apocalypse
Liturgical texts and acts:
1. The theological hymn in nine odes (canticles) sung after the reading of the Gospel at Matins.
2. Any similarly-structure hymn, as said at various times (e.g. the Canon of Repentance, Canon to the Holy Angels); often found as acrostics.
3. At times used in reference to the anaphora, or central prayers of the Divine Liturgy, beginning with 'Mercy of peace...'.
An established principle (e.g. 'the canons of polite society').
A basis for judgment; a standard or criterion.
A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field (e.g. 'the canon of ascetical literature'), or the output of a specific author ('the Pauline canon').

Cantor

In some traditions, one of the minor orders of the clergy, given to the chief singer or choir leader in a parish.

Catholic

(kăth'ə-lĭk, kăth'lĭk) adj.

Of universal scope; from the Greek katholikos, 'thoughought the whole' (i.e. of the world).
Including or concerning all humankind; universal: 'what was of catholic rather than national interest' (J.A. Froude).
In ecclesiological terms:
1. Of or relating to the Church's universal scope, as in the Creed: 'One, holy, catholic and apostolic Church'.
2. Confessionally, often of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.

n. Catholic

A member of the Catholic church

At times used by Orthodox
Most often used by members of the Roman Catholic Church

Christology

(krĭ-stŏl'ə-jē) n., pl. -gies.

The theological study of the person and deeds of Jesus Christ. Linked intrinsically to the study of the Trinity, of whom Christ is confessed as 'One of the Holy Trinity'.

Church

The living body of Christ, begun in the encounter with Christ in the Spirit, and borne alive throughout history through the testimony of the apostles and the teachings of the seven ecumenical councils. The place of encounter with God in the holy mysteries, which binds the people of God into one community, or ecclesia.
With a place-name: Used to refer to that portion of the Church located in a specific region (e.g. 'the Greek Church', 'the Russian Church'), or a specific city (e.g. 'the Corinthian Church).

Clean Week

The first full week of Great Lent, following the Sunday of the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise (often known as Forgiveness Sunday). This is normally a week of most stringent fasting; in monasteries there will often be a complete fast for the first three days of the week.

Clergy

n.sg or n.pl.

Those individuals set aside through ordination for service in the Church; from the Greek kleros, or 'allotment, assignment'. The clerical orders, or ranks, are divided into major and minor:
1. Major Orders: Those clergy consecrated to the service of the Divine Liturgy and other services of the Church, and her oversight, who receive the charism of this service from the Holy Spirit through ordination. They are:
  1. Bishop, including Patriarchs, Metropolitans and Archbishops
  2. Presbyter (priest), including Protopresbyters, Hieromonks and Archpriests
  3. Deacon, including Protodeacons, Archdeacons and Hierodeacons
2. Minor Orders: Those clergy dedicated to other forms of service in the Church, often in assistance to those in major orders, who are dedicated to such service through ordination by tonsure. They are:
  1. Subdeacon
  2. Reader
  3. In some traditions, cantor (chief singer)
Collectively, all those who serve in any of the ranks of the major or minor orders.

Clericalism

An heretical perception of the clergy, whereby those in clerical orders are understood as being 'higher' or 'better' than other members of the Church; or in which clergy are understood as a different category of person.

Communion

The act of participating in and receiving the Eucharist.
A relationship of intimacy
Relationally, from the Greek koinonia, referring to personal inter-relatedness.
1. Firstly of the trinitarian relationship of Father, Son and Spirit
2. Of all Christians through their communion in Christ
3. Of the saints, living and departed ('the communion of the saints').

Creed

(krēd) n.

A formal statement of religious belief; a confession of faith.
When used in an absolute manner (e.g. 'The Creed'), most often refers to the central creed of the Orthodox Church, that formulated by the ecumenical council of Constantinople in AD 381 (though it is often known as the 'Nicene Creed', since the council of Constantinople was in fact revising a creed drafted earlier by the first ecumenical council, held in Nicaea in AD 325). This creed reads:

"I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

"And in One Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father; through him all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; and rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead; his kingdom shall have no end.

"And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.

"In one holy, catholic and apostolic Church;

"I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

"I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen."

May also refer to a system of belief, principles, or opinions: laws banning discrimination on the basis of race or creed; an architectural creed that demanded simple lines.

D

Deacon

A male who has been ordained to the diaconate: the first of the major orders of the clergy. The deacon is characterised in liturgical vesture by the orarion worn over his left shoulder.
Of the ranks of deacon, there are:
1. Non-monastic deacons:
  1. Deacon: The canonical order of clergy
  2. Double-orarion: An honorific in the Slavic traditions, normally not awarded earlier than give years after ordination as deacon. This rank is characterised by a double-length orarion, which is crossed diagonally over the deacon's chest (in Greek and Antiochian practices, all deacons are given the double orarion at ordination).
  3. Protodeacon: An honorific, given normally not earlier than twenty years after ordination as deacon. Protodeacons are characterised by a broader orarion, on which are sometimes embroidered the words 'Holy, Holy, Holy', in emulation of the cherubic hymn of the angels at the throne of God.
2. Monastic deacons:
  1. Hierodeacon: The title of a monastic who has been ordained a deacon.
  2. Archdeacon: Awarded by the patriarch after many years of service. The senior deacon at a patriarchal cathedral may be given the title Archdeacon as a sign of office.

Deacon's Doors

n.pl.

The doors to the left and right (i.e. north and south) of the central Royal Doors of the iconostasis in the Church. They are called the Deacon's Doors because the deacons most frequently enter and depart from them during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in order to proclaim the litanies from the amvon; though in fact they are the doors used by all the clergy and servers who enter the altar.

Deification

(dē'ə-fĭ-kā'shən, dā'-) n.

The aim of the Christian life, articulated by St Athanasius: 'God became man, that man might become God' (On the incarnation of the Word, 54). Deification refers to the process of being joined to the communion of God in his energies, sanctified by the Holy Spirit into union with Christ.
The act or process of being deified.
The condition of being deified.

Deity

(dē'ĭ-tē, dā'-) n., pl. -ties.

In some translations, in reference to the nature of God, or God's ousia.
With the definite article, can at times refer to God ('the Deity').
In some translations, a synonym for 'godhead'.

Diaspora

A scattering of people outside their original homeland.
Those areas of the world where Orthodox Christians live and practice the faith, but which are outside the canonical territory of the autocephalous and autonomous churches.

Diocese

The geographic area under the archpastoral care of a ruling bishop.
Of these, there are multiple types beyond the basic diocese:
1. Archdiocese: A large or important diocese or set of dioceses; usually ruled over by an Archbishop.
2. Metropolis / Metropolitanate: An ancient or large diocese; usually rules over by a Metropolitan.
3. Exarchate: Usually a missionary dicoese.
4. Eparchy: An ecclesiastical province, where the primate of the church has immediate authority.

Divine Liturgy

The central liturgical rite of the Orthodox Church, often known simply as 'The Liturgy' (from the Greek for 'work of the people). Actually refers to a number of different configurations of the Liturgy, based on the central anaphora prayers of the service as traditionally composed by differing authors. The most common variations in use in the Orthodox Church are:
1. The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, the standard Liturgy used on normal Sundays and weekdays throughout most of the year.
2. The Divine Liturgy of St Basil the Great, used primarily during Great Lent and on the feast of St Basil, as well as certain other feasts.
3. The Divine Liturgy of St James, used at certain points in the Church year in some places.

Divinity

(dĭ-vĭn'ĭ-tē) n., pl. -ties.

The state or quality of being divine.
With the definite article, can at times refer to God ('the Divinity')
Godlike character.
A type of academic theological degree (a degree in Divinity, as opposed to a degree in Theology, might be characterised by its focus on multiple religious traditions as opposed to Christianity solely - but there is no hard-and-fast characterisation of the distinction).

Dogma

(dôg'mə, dŏg'-) n., pl. -mas or -ma•ta (-mə-tə).

A doctrine or a corpus of doctrines relating to matters such as morality and faith, set forth in an authoritative manner by the Church.
An authoritative principle, belief, or statement of ideas or confession, especially one considered to be absolutely true.

Dogmatic

adj.

A statement made in definitive doctrinal form by the Church.

E

Easter

(ē'stər) n.

The Christian feast of the resurrection of Christ. See below, Pascha, for full definition.
The day on which this feast is observed, the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or next after the vernal equinox, after the conclusion of the Jewish Passover.
As 'Eastertide' (Paschaltide), the period of time between the feast of the Resurrection and the leavetaking of Pascha, on the eve of the Ascension.

Ecclesiology

(ĭ-klē'zē-ŏl'ə-jē) n.

The branch of theology or history that is concerned with the nature, constitution, and functions of the Church.
Articulation of the structure and working of the Church.

Epitrachilion

The distinctive liturgical garment of the priest: a long stole wrapped around the neck and descending down over the chest to the ground, with its two sides sewn together. It symbolises 'the beard of Aaron'.

Epistemology

(ĭ-pĭs'tə-mŏl'ə-jē) n.

The branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, its presuppositions and foundations, its extent and validity.
Considerations of the nature of knowledge and knowing.

Ecumenical

(ĕk'yə-mĕn'ĭ-kəl) also ec•u•men•ic (-mĕn'ĭk) adj.; sometimes as 'oikumenical' or 'oecumenical'

Of worldwide scope or applicability; universal (from the Greek oikoumene, meaning 'of the whole household'; also has a history of imperial usage as refering to the extent of the Byzantine Empire).
Of or relating to the whole of the Orthodox Christian.
In reference to the councils of the Church, refers to those councils deemed universal in their dogmatic and doctrinal authority.
1. In the Orthodox Church these are seven:
  1. I Nicaea, AD 325
  2. I Constantinople, AD 381
  3. Ephesus, AD 431
  4. Chalcedon, AD 451
  5. II Constantinople, AD 553
  6. III Constantinople, AD 680-681 (including the decrees and canons of the Quinisext council [the council in Trullo] of 692, considered by the Orthodox Church as part of the canonical output of the sixth ecumenical council of III Constantinople)
  7. II Nicaea, AD 787
2. Churches of the Oriental Orthodox Communion accept the first three of the above councils as authoritative, but not the subsequent.
3. Roman Catholic Churches accept the above councils, with the exception of the Quinisext council of 692.
With respect of inter-church relations, concerned with establishing or promoting unity among churches or religions.

Epiphany

(ĭ-pĭf'ə-nē) n., pl. -nies.

A liturgical feast:
1. One of the Great Feast of the Church year, third in rank after Pascha and Pentecost, known in the Orthodox Church as the Feast of Theophany. See full definition under Theophany, below.
2. In western Christian communions, the feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi, usually observed on 6th January.J
A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something.
A comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realisation ('I experienced an epiphany, a spiritual flash that would change the way I viewed myself', Frank Maier).

Epistle

(ĭ-pĭs'əl) n.

A letter, especially a formal one.
A literary composition in the form of a letter.
Of scriptural books:
1. One of the letters included as a book in the New Testament (see above, canon).
2. An excerpt from one of these letters, read during the divine services of the Church.
In modern practice, a letter composed by a bishop to his diocese, or by a patriarch to the whole of his church, at various occasions throughout the ecclesiastical year.

Eschaton

n.; cf. also 'Eschatological', adj.

The end times, referring to the 'last days' of fallen existence.
Adjectivally, referring to a doctrine or statement concerning the last days.

Eternity

(ĭ-tûr'nĭ-tē) n., pl. -ties.

Colloquially, time without beginning or end; infinite time.
Theologically, existence beyond time, beyond the constraints of beginning or end.
The timeless state following death.
1. The afterlife; immortality.

Etymology

(ĕt'ə-mŏl'ə-jē) n., pl. -gies.

The origin and historical development of a linguistic form as shown by determining its basic elements, earliest known use, and changes in form and meaning, tracing its transmission from one language to another, identifying its cognates in other languages, and reconstructing its ancestral form where possible.
The branch of linguistics that deals with etymologies.

Eucharist

(yū'kər-ĭst) n.

The central mystery (sacrament) of the Church, in which consecrated gifts of bread and wine are offered to Christ, returned as his true body and blood, which the faithful receive after a preparation of strict ascesis, including fasting and confession. The eucharistic sacrament is celebrated as the Divine Liturgy, the central liturgical service of the Church. Also known as Communion.
The consecrated elements of the Eucharistic rite: the Body and Blood of Christ.
May also refer to the service of the Divine Liturgy, including the reception of the holy gits; as in the prayer of thanksgiving after communion: 'May this holy Eucharist be for me a healing gift...'.

Evangelism

The proclamation of the evangelion, the 'good news' of redemption. In Orthodox praxis this takes the form of proclamation of the gospel texts and the eucharistic mission of Communion in Christ.
Of or pertaining to the missionary work of bringing the encounter with Christ to those yet to experience it, or in need of experiencing it more fully.

Evangelist

(ĭ-văn'jə-lĭst) n.

Any one of the authors of the four New Testament gospel books: Sts Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
One who practices evangelism, or the proclamation of the life in Christ and the conversion of Christ's creation to his Body, the Church.

Exegesis

(ĕk'sə-jē'sĭs) n., pl. -ses (-sēz).

Critical explanation or analysis, especially of a text. From the Greek ex + ago, 'to draw out' (i.e. a meaning).

F

Fast

(făst) intr.v., fast•ed, fast•ing, fasts.

To abstain 'from food and transgressions', according to the ascetical understanding of the Church.
1. To eat very little or abstain from certain foods.
2. To refrain from certain activities.
3. To increase attentiveness to prayer, almsgiving, and other acts of virtue.
To abstain intentionally from anything (e.g. 'She is fasting from internet activity')

Indefinitly ('a fast') refers to any period of fasting defined by the Church or in a personal spiritual rule. The Church sets out the following standard fasts:
1. Every Wednesday (in commemoration of the betrayal of Christ) and Friday (in commemoration of his crucifixion); with certain exceptions during the year (e.g. during Bright Week)
2. In monastic contexts, every Monday (in commemoration of the holy angels, whose life monastics strive to emulate)
3. Great Lent, often known as 'The Fast': the six weeks leading up to Pascha.
4. The Nativity Fast: the forty days from 15th / 28th November to 24th December / 6th January, in anticipation of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ (Christmas). This fast is sometimes called St Philip's Fast, as it commences on this saint's feast day.
5. The Apostles' Fast: From the week following Pentecost (variable dating, depending on the date of Pascha) until the feast of Sts Peter and Paul (29th June / 12th July).
6. The Dormition Fast: The two weeks leading up to the feast of the dormition of the Mother of God (15th / 28th August).
With the definite article, as 'The Fast', usually refers to Great Lent.

Feast

(fēst) n.

A day dedicated to the commemoration of a specific saint or event.
1. Of these, the Orthodox Church numbers twelve as Great Feasts, or those of particular, central significance. Seven of these are dedicated to Christ, and five to the Mother of God:
  1. 8th / 21stSeptember, the Nativity of the Mother of God
  2. 14th / 27th September, the Elevation of the Holy Cross
  3. 21st November / 4th December, the Presentation of the Mother of God in the temple
  4. 25th December / 7th January, the Nativity of Christ (Christmas)
  5. 6th / 19th January, Theophany, the Baptism of Christ (Feast of the Holy Trinity)
  6. 2nd / 15th February, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple
  7. 25th March / 7th April, the Annunciation to the Mother of God
  8. The Sunday before Pascha, Palm Sunday
  9. Forty Days after Pascha, the Ascension of Christ
  10. Fifty Days after Pascha, Pentecost
  11. 6th / 19th August, the Transfiguration
  12. 15th / 28th August, the Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Mother of God
2. Other feasts are celebrated throughout the Church's year.
A large, elaborately prepared meal, usually for many persons and often accompanied by entertainment; a banquet.
Superlatively, as 'The Feast of Feasts', refers to the celebration of Pascha; an expression found in the Paschal hymnody.

v.intr.

To partake of a feast; to celebrate a liturgical commemoration.
To experience something with gratification or delight: 'to feast a saint'.

Forgiveness Sunday

The name sometimes given to the Sunday of the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise; that is, the last Sunday before the beginning of Great Lent. It takes this more common name from the Vespers of Forgiveness celebrated in the evening, which in the Slavic tradition contains the Rite of Mutual Forgiveness, which many consider the liturgical starting-point of Lent.

G

Gold Cross

A type of pectoral cross; see below, Pectoral Cross, for fuller definition.

Great Lent

The liturgical season covering the six weeks before Pascha (Easter), beginning on Forgiveness Sunday and culminating in Holy Week; sometimes known as 'The Great Fast' or simply 'The Fast'. This period is characterised by attentiveness to asceticism and fasting.
In western Christian traditions, the corresponding season of Lent: the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday until Easter.

H

Hades

(hā'dēz) n.

From the Greek term, often synonymous with 'Hell' in liturgical texts and usually correlate to the Hebrew 'Sheol'.
Of Greek mythology:
1. The god of the netherworld and dispenser of earthly riches.
2. This netherworld kingdom, the abode of the shades of the dead.

Heaven

(hĕv'ən) n.

The abode of God, the angels, and the souls of those who are vouchsafed salvation.
An eternal state of communion with God; everlasting bliss.
The sky or universe as seen from the earth; the firmament. Often used in the plural.

Hell

(hĕl) n.

The existence of eternal broken communion with God and creation; often equivalent to 'damnation'.
1. In some loose expression, a state of separation from God; exclusion from God's presence (but cf. Psalm 118).
In apocalyptic writing, often spatial: the abode of condemned souls; the place of eternal punishment for the wicked after death, presided over by Satan.
In ancient texts, the abode of the dead, identified with the Hebrew Sheol and the Greek Hades.

Heresy

(hĕr'ĭ-sē) n., pl. -sies.

An opinion or a doctrine at variance with established religious beliefs; from the Greek haireo, 'to separate' (i.e. oneself from the Church).
1. Adherence to such dissenting opinion or doctrine.
Colloquially, often taken as the opposite of Orthodoxy.
A controversial or unorthodox opinion or doctrine, as in politics, philosophy, or science.
1. Adherence to such controversial or unorthodox opinion.

Hierodeacon

A monastic deacon; see above, Deacon, for fuller definition.

Hieromonk

A monastic priest; see below, Presbyter, for a fuller definition.

Homily

(hŏm'ə-lē) n., pl. -lies.

A sermon, especially one intended to edify the faithful in advance of reception of the holy Eucharist. Homilies are generally understood in the Orthodox Church to be liturgical in dimension, delivered as part of the Divine Liturgy as preparation for reception of the holy gifts.
Pejoratively, a tedious moralizing lecture or admonition.

Holy Mountain

See above, Athos.

Holy Spirit

The third person of the Holy Trinity, whom the Creed confesses is 'the Lord, the giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the Prophets'.

Holy Week

The week at the conclusion of Great Lent, immediately before Pascha, known fully as 'The Great and Holy Week of the Passion of the Lord'. It begins with the Sunday of Palms and culminates in Holy Saturday.

Hymn

A liturgical text intended to be sung. The most common short forms are the troparion and the kontakion.

Hymnody

The corpus of the Church's hymns and musical texts.
The practice of singing hymns and liturgical texts in the divine services of the Church.

I

Icon

i•con (ī'kŏn') n.; also i•kon (ī'kŏn')

An image; a representation.
A representation or picture of a sacred or sanctified Christian person or event, usually in paint but sometimes in mosaic. Used liturgically in the Orthodox Church and in the veneration of Christians at home.
The mystical image of God in humankind; i.e. the 'image of God' (cf. Genesis 1.26-28).

Iconostasis

From the Greek for 'icon-stand': the screen or wall of icons that separates the Altar (sanctuary) from the Nave in an Orthodox Church. The iconostasis normally has three doors: the central Royal Doors, immediately in front of the Holy Table; and the two Deacon's Doors. On the Royal Doors are normally depicted the Annunciation of the Mother of God and the four Evangelists, while to the left of these doors (from the perspective of the priest facing the people) is the icon of Christ, and to his right is the icon of the Mother of God.

Incarnate

in-'kär-n&t, adj.

Literally, 'enfleshed, embodied'; theologically, 'made human'.
Of the Son of God, invested with human nature and for the salvation of humankind.

Incarnation

(ĭn'kär-nā'shən) n.

The act of becoming incarnate
The doctrine that the Son of God was conceived in the womb of the Mother of God, and that Jesus is true God and true man.
In other religious contexts: a bodily manifestation of a supernatural being.
One who is believed to personify a given abstract quality or idea.

J

Jesus

(jē'zəs), 4? BC – AD 29?.

The incarnate Son of the Father, second person of the Trinity, whose life is the substance of the Church.

Jesus Prayer

Also called the 'Prayer of the Heart': a short, ascetic prayer uttered repeatedly; known in form as an 'arrow prayer'. It has been widely used, taught and discussed throughout the history of Orthodox Christianity. The precise words of the prayer vary, from the most simple being simply the holy Name, 'Jesus', to the more common extended form: 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

Jewelled Cross

A type of pectoral cross; see below, Pectoral Cross, for fuller details.

Jurisdiction

(jʊr'ĭs-dĭk'shən) n.

In ecclesiology: The territorial region overseen by a specific bishop, or the territorial extent of a Diocese.
1. Also the overlapping boundries of dioceses under differing mother patriarchates; a phenomenon particular to the diaspora.
In law: The right and power to interpret and apply the law; courts having jurisdiction in this district.
1. The extent of authority or control: e.g.a family matter beyond the school's jurisdiction.
2. The territorial range of authority or control.

K

Kondak

See below, Kontakion.

Kontakion

n.; pl. kontakia

A thematic hymn in common use in the Church. Originally a lengthy hymn of one or two introductory stanzas and a long series of 18-30 strophes, the kontakion was a kind of hymnic homily (the Greek comes from the word for 'pole', indicating the great length of the original texts, which were rolled around a pole). In modern practice it is a short hymn, most often sung during the Divine Liturgy, after the troparia, and during weekday services.

L

Lent

(lĕnt) n.

See above, Great Lent.

Lenten

(lĕn'tən) adj.

Of or relating to Great Lent: Lenten observances.
Characteristic of or appropriate to Lent; meager: Lenten meals.

Litany

A prayer as a sequence of petitions intoned by the deacon during the divine services of the Church (or, if no deacon is serving, by the priest). The people's refrains to the petitions of the litany are normally 'Lord, have mercy', and 'Grant this, O Lord'.

Liturgical

(lĭ-tûr'jĭ-kəl) also li•tur•gic (-tûr'jĭk) adj.

Of, relating to, or in accordance with the Divine Liturgy; e.g. 'a book of liturgical norms'; or as relating to celebrations of the other Divine Services.
Using or used in Divine Liturgy.

liturgically li•tur'gi•cal•ly adv.

Liturgy

(lĭt'ər-jē) n., pl. -gies.

See above, Divine Liturgy

M

Major Orders

n.pl.

Of the clergy. See above, clergy, for full definition.

Martyr

(mär'tər) n.

From the Greek 'to bear witness': one who witnesses to the Truth of Christ.
1. Most often a witness borne through death: one who chooses to suffer death rather than renounce Christian Truth
2. But also of witness borne in life: one who makes great sacrifices or suffers much in order to testify to the Truth of Christ

tr.v., -tyred, -tyr•ing, -tyrs.

To make a martyr of, especially to put to death for devotion to religious beliefs.
To inflict great pain on; torment.

Metanoia

noun

Of repentance: The Greek term, indicating a literally a 'change of mind' or 'heart'; conversion, rebirth, regeneration. See below, Repentance, for fuller definition.
Liturgically, a prostration, either to the waist (a 'little metanoia') or fully to the ground (a 'great metanoia').

Metropolitan

A rank of bishop; see above, Bishop, for fuller definition.

Minor Orders

n.pl.

Of the clergy. See above, clergy, for full definition.

Monastery

(mŏn'ə-stĕr'ē) n., pl. -ies.

A community of persons, especially monks, bound by vows to the angelic life, and often living in partial or complete seclusion.
The dwelling place of such a community.

Monastic

(mə-năs'tĭk) also mo•nas•ti•cal (-tĭ-kəl)adj.

Of, relating to, or characteristic of a monastery.
Resembling life in a monastery in style, structure, or manner, especially:
1. Secluded and contemplative.
2. Strictly disciplined or regimented.
3. Self-abnegating; austere.
Used often of individuals; e.g. 'He has a very monastic presence'.

A monk or a nun.

Monk

(mŭngk) n.

A man who is a member of a brotherhood, usually living in a monastery, devoted to an ascetic life of obedience, prayer and work under the guidance of an abbot. The female equivalent is a nun.

Monophysite

(mə-nŏf'ə-sīt') adj.

A doctrine that proclaims that in the person of Jesus Christ there was but a single, divine nature.

An adherent to this doctrine

Monotheism

(mŏn'ə-thē-ĭz'əm) n.

The doctrine or belief that there is only one God.

Mystery

The traditional term in the Orthodox Church for the sacraments.
In particular, the mystical sacrament of the Eucharist, as the people sing in the Cherubic Hymn: 'We, who in this mystery...'.

N

Narthex

The entrance area of the Church, at the western end. Opposite the Narthex is the Altar. Certain liturgical rites, such as the baptismal exorcisms, betrothal at weddings, etc., are carried out in the narthex.

Nativity

(nə-tĭv'ĭ-tē, nā-) n., pl. -ties.

A birth; especially the place, conditions, or circumstances of being born.
A 'The Nativity', most often the feast of the birth of Christ (Christmas).
Also, the feast of the births of other saints: e.g. the Mother of God, St John the Forerunner.

Nave

The central portion of the church building, between the narthex and the altar (sanctuary). It is in this portion of the church that the faithful gather for prayer.

Nestorian

(nĕ-stôr'ē-ən, -stōr'-) adj.

Of or relating to the theological doctrine, declared heretical in 431, that within Jesus are two distinct persons, divine and human, rather than a single divine person.

An adherent of Nestorian doctrine.

Novice

(nŏv'ĭs) n.

A person new to a field or activity; a beginner.
A person who has taken the first steps toward entry into the monastic life. While in English this term 'novice' (from the Latin for 'new, newcomer') is most often used, the traditional title in the Orthodox culture for this phase of entry into the monastic life comes from the Greek dokimos monachos, loosely translated 'monk who is trying it out', indicating the phase as one in which the individual takes on more and more of the monastic life, without yet having made any formal or binding commitment to the monastery. Also called the novitiate.

Nun

The female equivalent of a monk.

O

Omnipotence

Om•nip•o•ten•cy , n.; [L. omnipotentia: cf. F. omnipotence.]

The state of being omnipotent; almighty power; hence, one who is omnipotent, i.e. God.
Unlimited power of a particular kind; as, repentance's omnipotence.

Omnipresence

n. (ŏm`nĭ*prĕz"ens); [Cf. F. omniprésence.]

Presence in every place at the same time; or, unbounded or universal presence; ubiquity.

Omniscience

(ŏm-nĭsh'ənt) adj.

Having total knowledge; knowing everything: the omniscient God.

One having total knowledge.
Omniscient God; used with the.

Orarion

The distinctive liturgical vestment of the deacon; a length of decorated, broad fabric hung off the left shoulder, similar to the priest's epitrachilion (stole), but not worn around the neck.

Ordination

The act of setting aside a man for service in the clergy of the Church. Normally takes place through the laying on of hands.

Orthodox

(ôr'thə-dŏks') adj.

From the Greek orthos ('straight, right') and doxa ('worship, practice, belief, glory'); i.e. right belief, right practice, right faith, right worship.
Adhering to Christian faith as expressed in the seven ecumenical councils of the Church.
Of the Orthodox Church:
1. Of or relating to any of the churches or rites of the Eastern Orthodox communion.
Adhering to what is commonly accepted, customary, or traditional: e.g. 'an orthodox view of world affairs'.

One that is a member of the Orthodox Church of the seven ecumenical councils.
One that adheres to right beliefs, right practices, etc.

Orthodoxy

(ôr'thə-dŏk'sē) n., pl. -ies.

The quality or state of being Orthodox, as a member of the Orthodox Church of the seven ecumenical councils.
Orthodox practice, custom, or belief.
Of Orthodoxy:
1. The beliefs and practices of the Eastern Orthodox communion.

P

Pagan

(pā'gən) n.

In much patristic writing, one who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, especially an adherent of a polytheistic religion in antiquity.
At times used pejoratively:
1. One who has no religion.
2. A non-Christian.
3. A hedonist.

Panentheism

The belief that God is present everywhere and encountered in all things; as in the prayer to the Holy Spirit: 'O Thou who art everywhere present and fillest all things...'.

Pantheism

(păn'thē-ĭz'əm) n.

A doctrine, deemed heretical by the Orthodox Church, identifying God with the universe and its phenomena.
Belief in and worship of all gods.

Paradise

(păr'ə-dīs', -dīz') n.

Biblical: often in reference to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-3)
The abode of righteous souls after death; heaven.
An intermediate resting place for righteous souls awaiting the resurrection.
A state of being in perfected communion with God.
Colloquially, a place of ideal beauty or loveliness; or a state of delight.

Parish

A community of faithful in a given place, worshipping in the same church temple. In most places, a parish is headed by a parish priest and a deacon, though a cathedral parish may be headed by a bishop. Parishes are generally grouped together into a diocese, which covers a geographic territory and has a bishop at its head.
The geographic expanse in which a given church temple is the locale of worship (e.g. 'The parish of St John contains the south end of Maple City'). This is a particularly British usage.

Pascha

The chief feast of the Church's year, the 'Feast of Feasts', in commemoration of Christ's resurrection from the dead; sometimes known as Easter.
Christ's rising from the dead.
A type of cheese-based sweet often eaten during Paschaltide (the season of Pascha), containing many of the ingredients that were not eaten during Great Lent.

Patriarch

(pā'trē-ärk') n.

A rank of bishop; see above, Bishop, for fuller definition.
A man who rules a family, clan, or tribe.
1. Of the bible:
2. One of the antediluvian progenitors of the human race, from Adam to Noah.
3. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or any of Jacob's twelve sons, the eponymous progenitors of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Of ancient Judaism: the head of the Sanhedrin in Syrian Palestine from c. 180 BC to AD 429.
A very old, venerable man; an elder.

Patristics

(pə-trĭs'tĭks) n. (used with a sing. verb)

The study of the lives, writings, and doctrines of the Church fathers.
The writings of the Church fathers.

Pectoral Cross

A cross worn around the neck by priests and some bishops. In the Slavic traditions, all priests are given a pectoral cross at ordination as a sign of their office. In the Greek traditions the pectoral cross is not awarded until later.
Of the above, there are different types:
1. Standard cross: The customary pectoral cross given to priests at ordination or on award; generally made of pewter.
2. Gold cross: Awarded to a presbyter after some years of presbyteral service.
3. Jewelled cross: A higher honorific given after years of service.

Pentateuch

(pĕn'tə-tūk', -tyūk') n.

The first five books of the Old Testament (see above, Canon of Scripture).

Pentecostarion

The service book containing hymns and other texts for the divine services that take place from Pascha until the conclusion of the feast of Pentecost.

Pilgrim

(pĭl'grəm) n.

A member of the faithful who journeys to a shrine or sacred place.
One who embarks on a quest for something sacred.
A traveller.
Often used in reference to the classical Russian Orthodox spiritual work, The Way of the Pilgrim.

Polytheism

(pŏl'ē-thē-ĭz'əm, pŏl'ē-thē'ĭz-əm) n.

The worship of or belief in more than one god.

Pope

(pōp) n.

Lit. 'Papa' or 'Father'.
In the Orthodox Church, two usual uses:
1. The title given to the patriarch of Alexandria.
2. In some monasteries, where all monastics are called by the title 'Father', the title 'Papa' is used to distinguish those who are also priests.
In the Roman Catholic Church, the title given to the bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic magisterium.
In the Oriental Orthodox communion, the title given to the Coptic patriarch of Alexandria.

Praxis

(prăk'sĭs) n., pl. prax•es (prăk'sēz').

The living-out of the Orthodox life; i.e. the application of its doctrines and teachings at the pastoral level of personal life.
Practical application or exercise of a branch of learning.
Habitual or established practice; custom.

Pray

(prā) v., prayed, pray•ing, prays.

v.intr.

To engage in prayer.
To make a fervent request or entreaty.

v.tr.

To ask (someone) imploringly; beseech.
To make a devout or earnest request for; e.g. 'I pray your permission to speak.'

Prayer

1 (prâr) n.

Communion with God. At its highest level, synonymous with deification.
A reverent petition made to God
An act of communion with God, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving: # A specially worded form used to address God or a saint.

pray•er 2 (prā'ər) n.

One who prays.

Prayer of the Heart

See above, under Jesus Prayer.

Presbyter

One of the major orders of the clergy (from the Greek for 'elder'); often known as Priest. Whilst presbyter/priest is the canonical order, there are several types of presbyter, including honorifics:
1. Of non-monastic presbyters:
  1. Archpriest: an honorific, equivalent to the monastic Archimandrite (though technically one rank lower), normally given in recognition of faithful service. In Greek practice is equivalent to Protopresbyter, though in Russian practice these are distinct ranks (with Protopresbyter the higher of the two). In Greek practice, Archpriests are given a pectoral cross. While Slavic custom is for all priests to wear the pectoral cross, Archpriests are often given the gold cross.
  2. Protopresbyter: an honorific. In the Greek tradition equivalent to Archpriest. In the Slavic traditions, the highest rank of non-monastic clergy, of which there are normally only a small number at any given time.
2. Of monastic presbyters:
  1. Hieromonk: The order of a monk who is also a presbyter.
  2. Hegumen: Whilst technically the functional title of one who oversees a monastery (i.e. an abbot), also an honorific given to monastic presbyters, normally not before ten years of service as a hieromonk.
  3. Archimandrite: An honorific normally given after thirty years in presbyteral service. Also a functional title for the head of a monastic community.
In early writings, any elder.

Priest

See above, Presbyter.

Primacy

(prī'mə-sē) n., pl. -cies.

The state of being first or foremost.
Ecclesiastical: The office, rank, or province of primate.

Prophesy

(prŏf'ĭ-sī') v., -sied (-sīd'), -sy•ing (-sī'ĭng), -sies (-sīz').

v.tr.

To reveal by divine inspiration.
To prefigure; foreshow or foretell.

v.intr.

To reveal the will or message of God.
To predict the future by divine inspiration.
To speak as a prophet.

Prophetic

(prə-fĕt'ĭk) also pro•phet•i•cal (-ĭ-kəl) adj.

Of, belonging to, or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy: e.g. the prophetic books of the bible.
Foretelling events as if by divine inspiration; e.g. 'his casual words that proved prophetic.'

Protodeacon

See above, Deacon.

Protopresbyter

See above, Presbyter.

Q

R

Reader

The first rank of the minor orders of the clergy in the Orthodox Church, generally concerned with the proper proclamation of the epistle and other liturgical reading.
A person tonsured to this rank.
Anyone who reads a text in the Church (where in some places texts are read by those not tonsured as readers).

Repent

(rĭ-pĕnt') v., -pent•ed, -pent•ing, -pents.

v.intr.

To engage in repentance.

v.tr.

To cause to feel remorse or regret, or to cause to change one's behaviour.

Repentance

From the Greek metanoia, meaning a 'change of mind' or 'heart': a change of inner conviction based on an admission of past faults. A turning toward a redeemed life in Christ.
A feeling of remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; to be contrite.
1. Further, the experience of such regret for past conduct that one is convicted to change one's mind and behaviour regarding it.
2. The act of making a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.

Resurrection

rĕz'ə-rĕk'shən, n.

The act of rising from the dead or returning to life.
The rising of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after the crucifixion.
Eschatologically, the rising again of all the dead at the Last Judgement.
The state of one who has returned to life; e.g. 'Let us rejoice in the heavenly resurrection'.
The act of bringing back to practice, notice, or use; revival.

Royal Doors

n.pl.

The central doors of the iconostasis, located immediately in front of, and opening onto, the Holy Table / Altar. These doors are normally taken as symbolic of the gates of Paradise (Eden), and are often decorated in wood- or metal-work with vines and leaves. Normally depicted in icons on the Royal Doors are the Annunciation to the Mother of God (since the advent of the One announced to her is received in the Eucharist celebrated at the altar behind these doors and brought out to the people through them), and the figures of the four evangelists (since the proclamation of the Son was the work of these four).

S

Sacrament

A rite of the Church in which the person is in a special way brought into the presence of the grace of God; traditionally known as a Mystery.

Saint

(sānt) n.; (Abbr. St. or S.)

All the faithful in Christ.
A person officially recognised as worthy of public veneration, understood to be an active intercessor for his or her brothers and sisters on earth.
Of the departed; e.g. 'Give rest with all Thy saints...'.
Colloquially, an extremely virtuous person.

Salvation

(săl-vā'shən) n.

Entrance into full and eternal communion with God through the sanctifying power of the Spirit, transforming human sin into obedience, uniting man to the Father through the incarnation of the Son. Synonymous with perfected deification and perfected prayer.
Deliverance from the power or penalty of sin; redemption.
1. The agent or means that brings about such deliverance.
Preservation or deliverance from destruction, difficulty, or evil.
1. A source, means, or cause of such preservation or deliverance.

Sanctuary

In the Orthodox Church, the area behind (i.e. to the east of) the iconostasis, normally called the Altar (see above, under Altar, for fuller definition).
In some churches of western traditions, the central portion of the church building in which the faithful gather. In the Orthodox tradition this space is called the Nave.

Saviour

(sāv'yər) n.

Christ, the Son of the Father, as the one who brings salvation to the world through the Cross and the Resurrection.
A person who rescues another from harm, danger, or loss.

Schism

(skĭz'əm, sĭz'-) n.

A separation or division into factions (from the Greek for 'to cut apart').
1. A formal breach of union within the Church.
2. The offence of attempting to produce such a breach.
Disunion; discord.

Scripture

(skrĭp'chər) n.

A sacred writing or book (from the Greek graphe, 'a writing').
The sacred writings of the Bible; often used in the plural. See above, under Canon of Scripture, for further details.
A statement regarded as authoritative.

Sheol

In Hebrew writings, the realm of shadows; the afterlife. Often equated to Hell, though sometimes to the 'place of rest' following death but before the final judgement.

Sin

(sĭn) n.

A transgression of the will of God; from the Greek hamartolein, 'to miss the mark'.
1. Deliberate or unintentional disobedience to the known will of God.
2. A condition of estrangement from God resulting from such disobedience.
Something regarded as being shameful, deplorable, or utterly wrong.

Soteriology

(sō-tîr'ē-ŏl'ə-jē) n.

Articulation and study of salvation as effected by Jesus the Saviour (Gr. soter).

Soul

(sōl) n.

The animating and vital principle in humans, credited with the faculties of thought, action, and emotion; an immaterial entity.
The spiritual nature of humans, immortal, separable from the body at death, and susceptible to happiness or misery in a future state in advance of its eventual reunion with the body in the resurrection.
The element of created human nature that provides for communion of the person with the Holy Spirit of the Father.

Subdeacon

The second rank of the minor orders of the clergy, generally concerned with assisting the bishop in liturgical service.
An individual who is ordained to this office.

Syncretism

(sĭng'krĭ-tĭz'əm, sĭn'-) n.

Reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion; viewed by the Orthodox Church as an heretical approach to religion.
Of linguistics: the merging of two or more originally different inflectional forms.

T

Theology

(thē-ŏl'ə-jē) n., pl. -gies.

The state of communion with God in the inner heart of the human person; often synonymous with perfected prayer and understood as the fulfilment of deification. Cf. the saying of Evagrius of Pontus: 'A man who prays truly is a theologian, and a theologian is a man who prays truly'.
The study of the nature of God and religious Truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.
A system or school of opinions concerning God and religious questions: Orthodox theology, Protestant theology, Jewish theology, etc.
A course of specialised religious study, usually at a college or seminary.

Theophany

(thē-ŏf'ə-nē) n., pl. -nies.

One of the Great Feasts of the liturgical year, third in rank after Pascha and Pentecost.
An appearance of a god to a human; a divine manifestation.

Theotokos

The usual title in the Orthodox Church for the Virgin Mary, meaning 'God-bearer', or more idiomatically, 'Mother of God'. Its usage was defended at the third ecumenical council at Ephesus, in AD 431, where it was objected to by Nestorius (cf. Nestorian). The council upheld it against the Nestorian-suggested Christotokos (i.e. 'Christ-bearer'), since Jesus Christ is the Theoanthropos, the God-man: fully God and fully man, the truly incarnate God, the Son and Word, second person of the Trinity. Theotokos as a Christological term affirms this belief.

Tonsure

The act of symbolically representing the obedience of proper and necessary to Christian life, enacted during the rite of baptism for all the faithful.
The act of ordaining a person to a specific office of the clergy through a symbolic cutting of the hair of the head cross-wise, to reflect the obedience entered into by the person in taking on that office.
The act of joining someone to the monastic life through the cutting of hair.

As 'the tonsure' usually refers to the rite of formal / professed entry into the monastic life.

Torah

(tôr'ə, tōr'ə, toir'ə, tô-rä') n. Judaism.

The first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures.
A scroll of parchment containing the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures, used in a synagogue during services.
The entire body of religious law and learning including both sacred literature and oral tradition.

Trinity

(trĭn'ĭ-tē) n., pl. -ties.

The community of Father, Son and Spirit: the one God of the Christian faith.

Triodion

The liturgical service book containing the special hymns and texts used during Great Lent. It takes its name from the special canons it contains for the service of matins, which have three odes per canticle.

Troparion

n.; pl. 'troparia'

A short hymn, most often in dedication to a specific individual, feast or theme. The chief troparion of a feast is called the apolytikion.

U

V

Vis–a–vis

(v z -v ) prep.

An expression used often in the Monachos.net Discussion Community, meaning:

In relation to.
Compared with.
Face to face with; in front of to.