Glossary of Common Orthodox Terms

The sacred space behind the iconostasis where the Eucharist is prepared and offered. Only clergy and designated altar servers enter this area. See Iconostasis and Eucharist.

Lay people who assist the priest during services by carrying candles, preparing the censer, and helping in the altar.

Blessed bread offered to everyone at the end of the Divine Liturgy as a sign of fellowship and love. It is not Communion.

A short hymn that summarizes the spiritual meaning of a feast day or saint being commemorated. It is usually sung near the end of Vespers and at other services.

A successor to the Apostles who has the fullness of the priesthood. Bishops oversee dioceses, ordain clergy, and preserve unity and doctrine in the Church.

A person formally preparing for entry into the Orthodox Church through prayer, instruction, and participation in services.

Individuals who sing the hymns and responses during Orthodox services, often from the front side areas of the church called the kliros.

The sacrament of anointing with holy oil, usually following Baptism, marking the gift of the Holy Spirit and entrance into the Church.

A statement of Christian belief, most commonly the Nicene Creed, which is recited during the Divine Liturgy. It affirms the Trinity, the Incarnation, and key doctrines of the faith.

See Eucharist. In Orthodox tradition, Holy Communion is the true Body and Blood of Christ, given to the faithful during the Divine Liturgy.

An ordained clergy who assists the priest and bishop in services, reading the Gospel, leading litanies, and serving at the altar.

The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, where the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated.

Letters found in the New Testament, written by the Apostles to early Christian communities. Portions are read during the Liturgy.

From the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving.” The central sacrament of the Orthodox Church, in which bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ and are received by the faithful as a means of union with God.

A special day in the Church calendar commemorating events in the life of Christ, the Theotokos, or the saints.

The four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that tell the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The 40-day season of preparation before Holy Week and Pascha, marked by fasting, prayer, and repentance. See Pascha.

The week leading up to Pascha, commemorating Christ’s Passion. It includes daily services that walk through His final days. See Pascha.

A sacred image used in Orthodox worship to point toward heavenly realities. Icons are venerated, not worshipped.

A screen or wall of icons separating the altar from the nave. It holds central icons of Christ, the Theotokos, and feast days. See Theotokos.

A shorter hymn that complements the Apolytikion, often offering a poetic reflection on the deeper meaning of the feast or saint being commemorated.

The morning prayer service, often offered before the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days.

The entry space or vestibule of the church building, often used for lighting candles and beginning prayers before entering the nave.

The main area of the church where the faithful gather during services.

The second part of the Christian Bible, focused on the life of Christ and the early Church. Includes the Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation.

The first part of the Christian Bible, containing the history, law, and prophets of Israel. Many readings and hymns draw from it.

The Orthodox celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. It is the feast of feasts and the heart of the Church year.

An ordained clergy of the Church who leads services, offers the sacraments, and provides pastoral care.

The leavened bread offered at the Divine Liturgy, from which the Eucharist is prepared. Portions of it are also distributed as antidoron.

A book containing the 150 Psalms of the Old Testament, arranged for liturgical or devotional use.

The central doors in the iconostasis through which only clergy pass during the Divine Liturgy.

A holy act through which God’s grace is given. The Church recognizes seven primary sacraments, including Baptism, Eucharist, and Marriage.

Greek for “God-bearer,” a title for the Virgin Mary that proclaims her as the mother of Jesus Christ, who is God.

A short, ancient hymn in Orthodox worship meaning “Thrice-Holy.” It praises God as Holy Trinity and is chanted with the words: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.” Used frequently in the Divine Liturgy, funeral services, and daily prayers.

A short service with psalms and prayers, sometimes offered when no priest is present.

The evening prayer service that opens the liturgical day, often celebrated on Saturday nights and before feast days.