Terminology -

KATHISMA HYMN – (Sedalen)  a hymn sung as an introduction to “sitting,” i.e., a period of rest following such things as the lengthy chanting of the Psalter, the singing of the Polyeleos, or the singing of several Odes from the Canon at Matins.

POLYELEOS – The Psalms of “much oil” or “many mercies” (Psalms 134-135) sung during Resurrectional and Festal Matins. These two psalms constitute the third reading of the Psalter at Matins on Great Feasts and certain Sundays (in some places, on all Sundays), and on all other Vigil or Polyeleos-rank feasts. The name “polyeleos” arises from… Read More

IRMOS – a word meaning “link” in Greek. The Irmos is the theme-song and the first hymn of each ode of a Canon. It has a double function: it “links” the ode thematically with the Biblical canticle which serves as its prototype, and, by establishing the meter and melody for all the other hymns (troparia)… Read More

HYPAKOE – perhaps the most ancient title used by the Church to denote a piece of composed hymnography. In Greek this word means “to be obedient,” “to hear,” “to respond.” Presently, the Hypakoe is the particular title of a Troparion hymn sung during Resurrectional Matins. It varies according to the tone of the week from… Read More

STIKHERON – another general title referring to a composed hymn written in verses. Such hymns occur throughout Orthodox worship, e.g.: they are inserted at the places appointed by the Typikon during the chanting of “Lord, I call” (Psalms 141, 142, 130 and 117) at Vespers. They are usually associated with Psalmody. (not to be confused… Read More

KLOBUK – A klobuk is an item of non-liturgical clerical clothing worn by Orthodox Christian monastics and bishops who follow the Slav traditions. It is composed of a kamilavka covered with an epanokamelavkion (veil) that are attached to each other. Generally speaking, metropolitans in the Slavic Churches wear white klobuks, as a sign of their… Read More

ADMINISTRATOR – He who is in charge of a diocese in the absence of a bishop when the diocese is vacant by the resignation or death of the bishop.

AER – (Sl. Vozdukh) A large veil (usually of the same material as the priest’s vestments) for covering the chalice and paten during the celebration of Divine Liturgy.

AFFINITY – A spiritual relationship which becomes an impediment to Matrimony. In Baptism the Godparents contract a spiritual affinity with the Godchild. In Matrimony, all blood relatives of the husband to the second degree of kindred inclusive, contract this relationship of affinity with the wife, and vice versa.

AGE OF REASON – The time of life at which a person begins to be morally responsible, normally at about the age of seven. At this age children begin coming to confession.

AGNETS – (Sl. lamb) The sacrificial lamb in the Old Testament. Symbolically Christ was called the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (JOHN 1:29). Accordingly, in the Orthodox Church, the name Agnets is attributed to our Lord Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and that part of the… Read More

AKATHISTOS  (Gr. not permitted to sit) 1) A service consisting of many hymns of praise to the Savior, the All-Holy Theotokos, or some Saint, which may be sung in church or at home. The word Akathist comes from the Greek word Akathistos meaning “not sitting” and denotes a hymn of praise honoring Christ, the Mother… Read More

ALB – (Podriznik) A white, or colored, vestment, reaching from the neck to the ankles, with sleeves, worn by the priest under the chasuble during the service of Divine Liturgy.

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY – The first Sunday after Pentecost commemorating all the Saints, Prophets, martyrs, confessors, ascetics and all men and women who have glorified God through holy living.

ALTAR – (SI. Prestol) The designation Altar is commonly used of the whole Sanctuary, so that we hear the expression “in the altar,” meaning “in the Sanctuary.” Only one altar is to be found in each church (unless there is an attached or side-chapel) and only one Liturgy may be celebrated on any one day… Read More

ALTAR BREAD – (see Prosphora) Bread that is used in the Eucharistic Service.

ALTAR CLOTHS – 1) Gr. Katasaskion, SI. Sratchitsa, a white cloth covering the whole altar table. It represents the Winding Sheet in which our Lord was wrapped for burial. 2) Sl. Inditia, a richly-embroidered cloth over the white cloth, representing Christ’s Robe of Glory; 3) Sl. Iliton, the cloth in which the Antimension is wrapped.

AMBO – (Ambon, Sl. Amvon) From a Greek word meaning a raised place. The elevated part in front of the Royal Doors of the Iconostas from where the Gospel is read, sermons are preached and announcements are made. Historically, the ambo was originally a raised platform in the middle of the nave of the church,… Read More

ANALOGION – (Sl. Analoy) A high table, usually with a sloped top used as a Gospel stand (lectern) or a stand for an icon.

ANAPHORA – (Gr. offering) The central prayer in the Divine Liturgy, containing the Consecration and Invocation of the Holy Spirit. It begins immediately after the recitation of The Creed.

ANATHEMA – (Gr. suspended) A pronouncement by which the Church declares a person out of her communion, particularly because of the denial of the truths of faith. On the Sunday of Orthodoxy (first Sunday in Lent) in the Orthodox cathedrals during the Pontifiical service the anathema is proclaimed upon all heretics and apostates (GAL. 1:9,… Read More

ANCHORITE – A person who withdraws from the world to live a solitary life of silence, prayer and mortification.

ANOINTING – The act of tracing a mark in the form of a cross, with holy oil on a person or a thing in a Church ceremony. Annointing is used in sacraments of Baptism, Chrysmation, and Annointing the sick, for the healing of body and soul (JAMES 5:14). Churches and altars are annointed when they… Read More

ANTIDOR – (Antidoron, Gr. instead of a reward) The portions of the holy bread from the prosphora which are distributed to the faithful after Divine Liturgy.