Terminology - Glossary P

PEREZVON – Chain-Ringing (Perezvon). This is a successive ringing of all the bells from the largest (lowest pitch) to the smallest (highest pitch), with the striking of each bell a number of times before the next bell is struck, and repeating this method several times. It is used before the Blessing of Waters, before the… Read More

PERICOPE –  a portion of text selected to be read aloud, such as the Epistle and Gospel readings. Lectionaries of Scripture, such as the Apostolos, are composed of pericopes which are to be read for the liturgical services of each day.

PERL – The Peal (Trezvon). This is the ringing of bells in three modes, three times repeating a musical measure with a definite harmony of many selected bells. The Peal is used at the beginning of major services: Combined with the Announcement, the Peal is rung at the beginning of the All-Night Vigil, at Matins,… Read More

PERSON – (Gr. prosopon; Lat. persona) Regarding the Holy Trinity, there are three Divine Persons: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Person of God the Son became Man, Jesus Christ, “for us and for our salvation” (Matt. 28:19). See also HYPOSTASIS.

I PETER (First Epistle of St. Peter) -The first letter of Peter was written to give encouragement and hope to Christians in the northern part of Asia Minor, who were undergoing persecution (ca. 64 A.D.). The congregations, mainly of Gentile converts (1:14; 2:10; 4:3), are urged not to be surprised at the fiery ordeal which… Read More

II PETER (Second Epistle of St. Peter) – This brief letter is a reminder (1:12; 3:1) of the truth of Christianity as opposed to the heresies of false teachers. The author recalls the apostolic witness as the basis of the Church’s proclamation (1:16), points to the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament which have been… Read More

PETITION – The most widespread form of prayer is petition, offered in acknowledgment of our weaknesses, infirmities, and lack of experience. Because of sins and passions, our souls become weak and sick. Therefore, it is essential in prayer to ask God to forgive us and help us to overcome our faults. Sometimes requests are made… Read More

PEW – A bench or seat with a fixed back for use of members of a congregation.

PHANAR, THE – The part of Constantinople in which is situated the official residence of the Ecumenical Patriarch at Constantinople. It is the Greek quarter of the city.

PHARISEES – One of the parties of first-century Judaism. The Pharisees favored strict legalistic application of traditional interpretations of the Law stemming from oral Jewish traditions. Unlike the Sadducees, they believed in angels and in the resurrection of the dead. The Pharisees were generally hostile to the mission of Christ, who condemned their excessive legalism… Read More

PHELONION (CHASUBLE) – The topmost and chief vestment of a priest. It is of brocade or other material, reaching nearly to the ground at the back and sides, and short, just to cover the breast in the front. The bishop wears the sakkos instead.

PHILEMON  (Epistle of St. Paul to Philemon) – The Epistle to Philemon is a book of the Bible in the New Testament. Philemon is generally regarded as one of the undisputed works of Paul, and it was most likely written in Rome, around 61-63 AD. It is the shortest of Paul’s extant letters, consisting of… Read More

PHILIPPIANS (Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippans) – This letter, one of the most cordial and affectionate we have from Paul’s hand, was addressed to the Christians at Philippi in Macedonia, the first congregation established by him in Europe (Acts 16:11-15). Written about 61 A.D. while he was in prison, the occasion of this… Read More

PHILOKALIA – The Philokalia is a collection of writings, mostly centering on practicing the virtues and spiritual living in a monastery. In recent decades it has become an important resource for Orthodox Christians, laity and clergy alike, in personal living and in some ways has achieved status as a major secondary spiritual written resource, after… Read More

PHYSICIAN – (an appellation or Title of Jesus)  “But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Matt 9:12

PILGRIM – One who makes a journey to a religious shrine or a spiritual journey from sin and suffering in this life to eternal life with Christ in heaven. (Ps. 42:4; Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11.)

PILGRIMAGES – Journeys to holy places undertaken from motives of devotion to obtain divine help or as acts of penance or thanksgiving.

PLANT OF RENOWN – (an appellation or Title of Jesus)  “And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.” Ezek 34:29

PNEUMATOMACHIANISM – The name of a heresy saying that the Holy Spirit is not divine, but is a creature.

POLYCHRONION – (Sl. Mnogaya Lyeta) “For many years.” A congratulatory chant.

POLYEILEON– (Gr. much mercy and much oil). The second part of Matins on Sunday eve glorifies Christ’s resurrection, or the particular Feast or Saint whose day it is. It is the most solemn, joyful and bright part of the service. We praise God’s mercies and in the old days all the oil lamps were lit… Read More

POLYELEION – A hymn performed at Matins comprised of verses of Psalm 134 (135) and 135 (136) with the refrain “Alleluia.” The term is derived from the Greek words poly” — many and eleo” — mercy, in view of the multifold repetition of the phrase “for His mercy endures forever.” During the singing of the… Read More

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

POLYTHEISM – belief in more than one god.