Glossary of Terms

Term

Definition

Altar

Area of the sanctuary that is divided from the rest of the church by the Iconostasis

Anastasis

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Angels

A spiritual being acting as an agent and/or messenger of God - commonly represented in human form with wings and a long robe.

Archangel

A title for angles of a higher ranking

Baptism

A religious initiation of someone's admission into the Christian Church

Baptismal Font

Vessel that holds water for baptisms.

Baptismal Name

Name given to someone in Baptism, commonly the name of a saint who becomes that individual’s Patron Saint.

Betrothal

Formal declaration of couples desiring to be married

Boubounieres

Traditional favors given as gifts to guests in appreciation of their attendance for the Sacrament of either Baptism or Marriage.

Bright Week

Week following Pascha to celebrate the resurrection of Christ

Byzantine

Referring to or attributed to Byzantium (now Istanbul), the ancient Greek city on the Bosporus.

Catechumen

Someone who is preparing for baptism or chrismation in a church

Chrismation

A confirmatory sacrament in which a baptized person is introduced into the church

Common Cup

The wine in the common cup shared between the bride and groom during the wedding is blessed with a simple blessing, but not consecrated. It is not the Blood of Christ.

Diptych

A painting on two hinged wooden panels which may be closed like a book or displayed open. This is also the technical term for a list of names commemorated during the Divine Liturgy. (Because the list was kept in a version of a “hinged” binder.)

Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy is the Eucharistic service of the Orthodox Church. (the whole thing from start to finish)

Epiphany

The manifestation of the Holy Trinity.

Kouvouklion

An ornamental bier representing the Tomb of Christ.

Epitaphios

The Epitaphios is the icon showing Christ reclined (dead). On Good Friday, the Epitaphios is placed on the bier and adorned with flowers. This is carried in a procession representing the funeral of Christ.

Filakto

A pin that is adorned to one’s clothing as a means of protection. Always adorned with a cross, these usually are made by monastics and are filled with materials considered holy or blessed.

Gospel

The record of Jesus’ life and teachings comprised within the first four books of the New Testament

Holy Eucharist or Communion

A common term referring to the Body and Blood of Christ which is received by the Faithful in the Eucharist.

Holy Light (Holy Fire)

A ceremony that occurs in Jerusalem every year on Holy Saturday in which a flame appears in Jesus’ tomb with no material flame source. The Holy Light is the actual Fire that comes out of Jesus’ tomb.

Holy Table

The square table in the middle of the altar, made of wood or marble, on which the Eucharist is offered. 

Icon

A religious work of art, most commonly a painting, depicting a sacred image used in the purpose of religious devotion.

Iconostasis

A screen or partition with doors bearing icons, separating the altar (sanctuary) from the nave in a church. This is adorned with Icons.

Koufeta

The Greek word for Jordan Almonds used in favors and served on silver wedding trays during the Wedding Sacrament. These almonds are always given in odd numbers to symbolize the undivided love between a newlywed couple

Koumbaro

Sponsor (Masc.) for a wedding. 

Koumbara 

Sponsor (Fem.) for a wedding. 

Ladopana

All necessary linens used in conducting a baptism. Ladopana includes towels,sheet and undergarments.

Lambathes

Candles used in sacraments as a form of sacrifice and devotion to God. Candles are lit to represent the Light of God.

Lent

A period of fasting and repentance of one’s sins that is observed 40 days leading up to the death and Resurrection of Christ. 

There is also the Christmas Lent.

Liturgy

The main form of worship for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Martyr

A person who voluntarily suffers death as a penalty of witnessing to or refusing to renounce their faith.

Martyrika

Small, cross adorned, ornamental pins or bracelets that are given to guests as a sign of witness to a sacrament being celebrated. 

Monastery

A building complex comprising domestic quarters and workspace in which monastics, whether nuns or monks, live and pursue lives of prayer, work, and seeking God.

Narthex (Vestibule)

An enclosed meeting area just inside the western entrance of a church. 

Nave

The center of the church where people remain to observe the liturgy and other services.

Name Day

Every day of the year is dedicated to the memory of at least one saint or martyr or a Feast Day of the Church. If someone is named after a saint, then their name day is a day of celebration in their name and remembrance of the saint.

Nouna

Godparent (Fem.) It is the godparent’s role to advocate for and help raise their Godchild spiritually in a life of faith.

Nouno 

Godparent (Masc.) It is the godparent’s role to advocate for and help raise their Godchild spiritually in a life of faith.

Orthodox

The common and official name used by Greek Christians and the Eastern Christian Church. The Orthodox Church maintains the belief that it alone has kept the true, complete and unaltered Christian faith.

Palm Sunday

The Sunday before Easter. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by people waving palm branches in joy of his arrival. 

Pascha

Easter. Translates to “Passover”

Pentecost

A feast celebrated 50 days following the resurrection of Christ (Easter), celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the disciples of Christ. It’s considered to be the birthday of Christianity.

Stefana (Crowns)

The Greek word for wedding crowns. A set of crowns with which the priest “crowns” newlyweds during the Sacrament of matrimony. The crowns represent the power that has been bestowed upon the newlyweds as they become “king and queen” of their household.

Stefanothiki (Crown Case)

The Greek word for a special case designed to preserve the wedding crowns (Stefana) so they remain intact. It is important that the blessed wedding crowns are not mishandled in any way. 

Sacrament

A religious ceremony or ritual that is ordained by Christ and held as a participation in the divine grace bestowed upon by God. 

Saints

All holy men and women who, through pure and holy life on earth or martyrdom and confession of faith, have merited canonization of the church. 

Solea

An area with an elevated floor in front of the iconostasis of the church where religious rites are held.

Theotokos

Theological term commonly used to indicate the doctrinal significance of the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother. The name in Greek comes from two words meaning ‘God Bearing’.

Triodion

The period between Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican and Cheese-Fare Sunday. It also is a liturgical book containing hymns, prayers, and services of the movable feast before Easter.  This period with mild fasting, prepares us for Great Lent.

Triptych

A painting that is divided into three hinged wooden panels that can be folded shut or displayed open.  Usually, it contains icons of Christ, Theotokos, Saints or Feast Days of the Church.

Holy Unction

The action of anointing someone with oil as a religious rite.

Vestments

Distinctive liturgical/ceremonial garments worn by the clergy during services.