Terminology - Glossary C

COLORS, LITURGICAL – There is no special designation or sequence of colors in the rubrics of the Orthodox Church. However, the custom practiced in most churches is as follows: white or gold, usually brocaded are the most commonly-used. White especially for Easter, gold for Sundays, blue for feasts of the Most Holy Virgin. purple for… Read More

COLOSSIANS (Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians) – This letter was written in the early 60’s while Paul was in prison (4:3,10,18) at about the same time as the letter to the Ephesians (with which it has many similarities). The purpose was to correct erroneous speculations which had arisen because of the activities of… Read More

COMMANDER – (an appellation or Title of Jesus) “Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” Isa 55:4

COMMANDMENT – The Law of God, given first in the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, and completed or fulfilled by the teaching of Christ (Ex. 20:1-17; Matt. 5:1 7:27; John 15:12).

COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH – Precepts given to the faithful to strengthening of their spiritual life: 1) To attend worship services on Sundays and Feast days; 2) To observe fast days and seasons; 3) To receive Communion at least once a year, especially before Easter; 4) To support the Church with material means; 5) Not… Read More

COMMON CHANT – A term used to identify simple melodies that are commonly known and widely used in the musical practice of a particular national Church, diocese, or region.

COMMUNION – (Gr. koinonia) A common union of the most intimate kind, enjoyed by Christians with God and with each other in the Church. This communion is especially realized in the mystery of the Holy Eucharist (John 6:56; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17).

COMMUNION OF SAINTS – All members of the Church, living and departed, are in fellowship and communion with each other, being one Body in Christ.  When Christians depart this life, they remain a vital part of the Church, the Body of Christ. They are alive in the Lord and “registered in heaven” (Hebrews 12:23). They… Read More

COMMUNION OF THE SICK – A special rite by which Holy Communion is taken to the sick room or hospital and administered at the bedside of the sick. The Reserved Holy Gifts are kept in the Tabernacle on the Altar for this purpose. The Reserved Gifts are prepared by the priest on Holy Thursday. The… Read More

COMMUNION VERSE – (Zaprichasten) A verse taken from the Psalms sung during the time when the priest and the faithful are receiving Holy Communion.

COMPLINE – Compline is called the “after-dinner” service of the Church. Its name, both in Greek and Slavonic, indicates this. It is a service of psalms and prayers to be read following the evening meal; after Vespers has been served. On days when Vespers are connected to the Divine Liturgy, such as the eves of… Read More

COMPLINE, GRAND – (Sl. Velikoye Povecheriye)  A worship service said after nightfall in monasteries, and in the parish it is combined with Matins to form the All-night Vigil service on the eves of Christmas and Theophany.

CONCELEBRATION – The celebration of the Divine Liturgy by several priests at one altar at the same time, when one priest assists another in serving or celebrating the sacraments. The term is also used for bishops also.

CONCORDANCE, BIBLICAL – An index to the Bible arranged alphabetically under the principal words used in the text.

CONFESSION – (1) The avowal or verbal witness of faith in Christ, leading to salvation (Rom. 10:9). (2) The sacrament of the forgiveness of sins, whereby the repentant sinner confesses his sins to Christ in the presence of the priest, who pronounces God’s absolution of those sins (1 John; John 20:22, 23; 1 John 1:9)…. Read More

CONFESSOR – One of the various customary saint titles used in commemoration at divine services when remembering saints on the Church Calendar.  One who has suffered for the faith but not martyred outright.

CONFIRMATION – The Sacrament of Chrismation.

CONSECRATION – (1) The dedication of a person or thing to Divine Service or holy use; (2) the advancement of a member of the clergy to the rank of bishop; (3) the act of blessing of the elements of bread and wine in the Holy Eucharist.

CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL – (an appellation or Title of Jesus)  “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” Luke 2:25

CONSTANTINOPLE I – (First Council of Constantinople) Name of the Second Ecumenical Council. It was held at Constantinople in the year 381.  Among its activities, it formulated the Second Part of the Creed, defining the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

CONSTANTINOPLE II – (Secound Council of Constantinople) Name of the Fifth Ecumenical Council. It was held at Constantinople in the year 553.  Among its activities, it reconfirmed the doctrines of the Holy Trinity and of Christ.

CONSTANTINOPLE III – (Third Council of Constantinople) Name of the Sixth Ecumenical Council. It was held at Constantinople in the year 580.  Among its activities, it affirmed the true humanity of Jesus by insisting upon the reality of His human will and action.

CONTRITION – Grieving over sins with determination to avoid them in the future.

CONVENT – The dwelling of religious women living under monastic vows.