Terminology -

MONOPHYSITISM – The name of 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 Nicaea (451 A.D.)

MONOTHELITISM – The name of a heresy of the seventh century, which developed in an attempt to reconcile the monophysites with the Orthodox. The monothelites accept the two Natures of Christ, but deny His human will (Thelesis), accepting thereby only his Divine.

MOTHER CHURCH – 1) The Church of Jerusalem, as being the first Christian Church. 2) The church that granted autocephalous or autonomous status to create another church from one of its own diocese.

MOUNT ATHOS – A large center of Orthodox monasticism, situated on a conical mountain on the Chakidi Peninsula, Greece.

PASCHALION – The table of dates for Easter and all movable feasts of the year.

PASTORAL THEOLOGY – The theological field that studies the ways and methods to be used by the clergy for carrying through their duties as Pastors of the Church.

PATRIARCHATE – An ecclesiastical jurisdiction governed by a patriarch. There are eight such jurisdictions today in the Orthodox Church, the four ancient Patriarchates of the East, and the four Slavic patriarchates.

PATRISTICS – The theological field that studies the lives and the writings of the Fathers of the Church.

PEDALION – (Rudder) The book containing the rules and regulations prescribed by the Ecumenical Synods and the Fathers. It is the Constitution of the Orthodox Church.

PRESVYTERA – (Gr.; Sl. Matushka). A honorary title for the priest’s wife or mother.

PROSKORMIDE – Proskomedia (Gr. gathering of gifts or preparing to receive the gifts; Sl. Shertvennik). The Service of the preparation of the elements of bread and wine before the Liturgy. It takes place on the Table of Oblation (Prothesis), which is situated at the left (north) side of the altar.

PULPIT – (Gr.; Sl. Amvon, “an elevated place, podium”). A small raised platform or elaborate podium at the left (north) side of the soleas and in the front of the iconostasis. Decorated with representations of the four Evangelists, it is the place on which the deacon or priest reads the Gospel and delivers his sermon.

RASO – (Gr Cassock? Sl. ryassa). The long black garment with large sleeves worn by the Orthodox clergy as their distinct attire. Another such cassock with narrow sleeves (Gr. Anteri; Sl. Podrasnik) is worn under the cassock. It symbolizes the death of a clergyman to this world, and his burial and subsequent dedication to God… Read More

RUDDER – (Gr. Pedalion). The book containing the rules and regulations prescribed by the Ecumenical Synods and the Fathers. It is the Constitution of the Orthodox Church.

SACRISTY – (Gr. Skevophylahon; Sl. Riznitsa). A utility room at the right side (south) of the altar, where vestments and sacred vessels are kept and where the clergy vest for services.

SOTERIOLOGY – Theological field studying the mission and work of Christ as Redeemer (Soter).

GREGORY PALAMAS, SUNDAY OF – The Second Sunday of Lent is the commemoration of St Gregory Palamas. It was St. Gregory (d.1359) who bore living witness that men can become divine through the grace of God in the Holy Spirit; and that even in this life, by prayer and fasting, human beings can become participants… Read More

VENERATION OF THE CROSS, SUNDAY OF – The Third Sunday of Lent is that of the Veneration of the Cross. The cross stands in the midst of the church in the middle of the lenten season not merely to remind men of Christ’s redemption and to keep before them the goal of their efforts, but… Read More

JOHN OF THE LADDER, SUNDAY OF – The Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to St John of the Ladder (Climacus), the author of the work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent. The abbot of St Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai (6th century) stands as a witness to the violent effort needed for entrance into God’s… Read More

MARY OF EGYPT, SUNDAY OF – The Fifth Sunday recalls the memory of Saint Mary of Egypt, the repentant harlot. Mary tells us, first of all, that no amount of sin and wickedness can keep a person from God if he truly repents. Christ himself has come “to call sinners to repentance” and to save… Read More

LAZARUS SATURDAY – Lazarus Saturday is a paschal celebration. It is the only time in the entire Church Year that the resurrectional service of Sunday is celebrated on another day. At the liturgy of Lazarus Saturday, the Church glorifies Christ as “the Resurrection and the Life” who, by raising Lazarus, has confirmed the universal resurrection… Read More

BRIGHT WEEK – Every day during the week of Easter, called Bright Week by the Church, the paschal services are celebrated in all their splendor. The Easter baptismal procession is repeated daily. The royal doors of the sanctuary remain open. The joy of the Resurrection and the gift of the Kingdom of eternal life continue… Read More

ANTIPASCHA – (St. Thomas Sunday) The Sunday after Easter, called the Second Sunday, is thus the eighth day of the paschal celebration, the last day of Bright Week. It is therefore called the Antipascha, and it was only on this day in the early church that the newly-baptized Christians removed their robes and entered once… Read More

MERRHBEARING WOMEN, SUNDAY OF THE – The third Sunday of Pascha is dedicated to the myrrhbearing women who cared for the body of the Saviour at his death and who were the first witnesses of his Resurrection. As part of the 3rd Sunday Of Pascha we commemorate the Holy Myrrh-bearing women: Sts Mary Magdalene (July… Read More