Orthodox glossary

If you encounter an unfamiliar term on our website, you can search for it here. This glossary aims to explain Orthodox concepts with simplicity, clarity, and pastoral warmth, avoiding excessive theological jargon. Take it as a travelling companion: one word at a time, no pressure.

Main terms

Akathist

A hymn of praise comprising 12 kontakia and 12 ikoi, sung while standing (in Greek, a-kathizein means “not sitting down”). The most famous is the Akathist to the Mother of God.

See also: Prayer

Ancestral sin

The Orthodox term for the consequence of Adam and Eve's fall. Human nature inherits mortality, weakness, and an inclination to sin, but not Adam's personal moral guilt. Distinct from the Western concept of “original sin.”

Antimension (Antimencion)

A consecrated linen or silk cloth bearing the icon of Christ's entombment and containing relics of martyrs, spread on the altar. The Divine Liturgy cannot be celebrated without it.

See also: Divine Liturgy

Apophatic theology (Apophaticism)

An approach to theology central to Orthodoxy, which maintains that God transcends all human concepts and definitions. It is characterized by speaking of what God is not, rather than defining what He is.

Apostle reading (Epistle)

The liturgical reading from the Epistles or Acts of the Apostles, proclaimed before the Gospel during the Divine Liturgy.

See also: Readings of the day

Bishop

The highest order of the ordained clergy, a direct successor of the Apostles and spiritual leader of a diocese (local church). In Orthodoxy, bishops are chosen exclusively from monastics.

See also: Liturgical vestments

Canon

1) A rule or decree of the Church. 2) A spiritual discipline (prayers or prostrations) given during Confession to aid healing. 3) A long hagiographic hymn composed of several odes sung during services.

Chrismation

The sacrament of anointing with the Holy Myron, administered immediately after baptism (including to infants), conferring the gift of the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth.

Confession

The sacrament of reconciliation in which one discloses sins before a priest (acting as witness and spiritual doctor) to receive God's forgiveness and pastoral guidance.

See also: Why do we confess?

Deacon

The first rank of ordained clergy. A deacon does not administer sacraments himself, but assists the priest or bishop during services, leading the congregation in prayer petitions (ectenias).

See also: Liturgical vestments

Divine Liturgy

The primary Eucharistic worship service of the Orthodox Church. It is not merely a symbolic memorial, but a real participation in Christ's Sacrifice and Resurrection.

See also: Why go to church?

Epiclesis

The solemn moment in the Divine Liturgy when the priest invokes the Holy Spirit upon the gifts of bread and wine, asking Him to change them into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Fasting (Lent / Abstinence)

Abstaining from animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish) and practicing moderation, closely joined with prayer and almsgiving, to foster spiritual focus and self-discipline.

See also: Why do we fast?

Gospel

The Good News of salvation brought by Christ. The reading from the four Gospels at services represents listening to the living word of the Savior.

Hesychasm

An Orthodox contemplative spiritual tradition centered on inner stillness (hesychia), watchfulness of thoughts, and the repetitive praying of the Jesus Prayer.

Holy Communion (Eucharist)

The central sacrament of the Church in which the faithful receive the actual Body and Blood of Christ under the forms of consecrated bread and wine, for spiritual healing and union with God.

See also: Holy Communion

Icon

A sacred depiction of Christ, the Mother of God, or the saints. In Orthodoxy, an icon is not just a painting or decoration; it is a grace-bearing window to heaven and an aid to prayer.

See also: Why icons and not statues?

Iconostasis

A screen of icons separating the altar (sanctuary) from the nave (congregation area). It represents a threshold marking the boundary and meeting point of the visible and invisible worlds.

Incense

Aromatic resin burned on hot coals during services. The smoke of incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints rising to heaven and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Metania (Prostration)

A bow accompanied by the sign of the cross as a physical expression of repentance and humility. Small metanias are bows to the waist; great metanias are full prostrations to the ground.

Monastery

A community of monks or nuns who have taken vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience) and withdrawn from the world to dedicate their lives to prayer, work, and spiritual focus.

See also: Lives of the Saints

Panagia (All-Holy)

Greek for “All-Holy,” one of the most common titles given to the Mother of God in Orthodoxy. Also refers to an episcopal medallion depicting her.

Parish

A local community of Orthodox faithful centered around a church and under the pastoral care of a priest appointed by the bishop.

See also: Parish map

Philokalia

A compilation of spiritual texts written by Eastern Orthodox Fathers (4th-15th c.) on prayer, watchfulness of thoughts, and the pursuit of union with God.

See also: Library

Prayer

The breathing of the soul and the personal dialogue of the human being with God. It can express petition, thanksgiving, praise, or silent contemplation.

See also: Prayer requests

Priest

An ordained minister who has received the grace of the priesthood by apostolic succession to preach, pastor the parish, and administer sacraments (except Holy Ordination).

See also: Liturgical vestments

Proskomedia (Prothesis)

The preparatory service of the Liturgy, performed quietly in the sanctuary, where the priest prepares the bread (prosphora) and wine for consecration, commemorating lists of names.

Psalter

The Old Testament book containing 150 psalms, mostly written by King David. It is the core book of prayer for Orthodox services and personal devotions.

See also: The Psalter

Repentance (Metanoia)

From the Greek metanoia, meaning “change of mind.” It is a sincere turning back to God, acknowledging errors with hope, and seeking healing to transform one's life.

See also: Why do we confess?

Saints

Men and women of all times who lived in union with Christ, becoming living temples of the Holy Spirit. The Church venerates them as role models and intercessors before God.

See also: Lives of the Saints

Spiritual father (Geronda / Father Confessor)

A priest chosen by a believer to hear their confession regularly and offer personalized spiritual guidance to help them grow in their relationship with God.

See also: The spiritual father

Synaxarion

The hagiographical book of the Church containing lists and short accounts of the saints commemorated on each day of the liturgical year.

Theosis (Deification)

The process of a human being becoming united with God and participating in His uncreated energies, without losing their human identity. “God became man so that man might become god” (St. Athanasius).

Theotokos (Mother of God)

Greek dogmatic title for the Virgin Mary, meaning “God-bearer.” It emphasizes that the One born of her is fully God and fully man.

Tone

One of the eight musical scales (modes) used in Byzantine liturgical chanting. Services follow the tone of the week in a repeating eight-week cycle.

Troparion

A short hagiographic hymn proper to a saint or a feast day, summarizing the spiritual meaning of the commemoration.