Terminology - Glossary F

FORERUNNER – 1) The glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist is also referred to as John the Forerunner because he was the forerunner of Christ. 2) (an appellation or Title of Jesus)  ” Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of  Melchisedec.” Heb… Read More

FORGIVENESS – The remission of sin and guilt through the love of Christ. Forgiveness is given originally in baptism; forgiveness for continuing sin is reclaimed through repentance. As God has forgiven the sins of believers, so are Christians to forgive those who have sinned against them (Matt. 6:14, 15; 18:21-35; 1 John 1:9).

FORGIVENESS VESPERS – Forgiveness Vespers is served on the evening of Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday) and is the first service of Great Lent. Forgiveness Vespers follows the order of Lenten Sunday Vespers but after the Great Prokeimenon the clergy exchange their bright vestments for dark and the choir begins to use distinctive Lenten tones. Following… Read More

FORNICATION – (Gr. porneia) The sin of sexual intercourse outside of marriage The word is also applied to polygamy and to many successive marriages. The Greek term means sexual immorality in general. Fornication is strongly condemned in Scripture (1 Cor. 6:16 18; Gal. 5:19; Col. 3:5.)

FOUNDATION – (an appellation or Title of Jesus) “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isa 28:16

FREE WILL – The freedom to choose between good and evil, between God and sin which is one aspect of humanity created in the image of God. According to Orthodox teaching, sin stains the image of God but does not destroy it. Human beings may choose to accept or reject the gospel, but must suffer… Read More

FRIEND OF SINNERS – (an appellation or Title of Jesus) “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” Matt 11:19

FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (GAL. 5:22-23).

FUNERAL SERVICE – A service for the burial of the departed, which essentially consists of the Memorial Service with the addition of a Gospel reading, special stichera on the Beatitudes and certain other stichera.